The use of satire in Voltaire's CandideSatire. According to Dictionary.com, it is “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize the stupidity or vices of people, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other current affairs.” In a period in which going against the common mentality, which at the time was philosophical optimism, was rare and often despised, using satire not only to communicate one's beliefs but also to mock those who shared the main line of thought was the key. The use of satire in Voltaire's Candide helps to show his pessimistic mindset towards the social, religious, philosophical, political and scientific beliefs favored during the Enlightenment. Going against the crowd and making his opinions clear were not only Voltaire's works specialty, but also his career. When he wrote his novel in 1759, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's idea of ​​philosophical optimism was very popular. Leibniz, along with many others, believed that the Earth was the best of all possible worlds. As explained in an article on Leibniz published by the University of Idaho, he believed that since God created the world and God is not only omnipotent but also omniscient and all-good, he would create a world with minimal evil. However, since only God can be truly perfect, our world is not perfect, but it is the best it can be. The article states: “Leibniz is not concerned with the world he observes but with the world that his mathematical formula can demonstrate”. Leibniz ignored the problems and flaws of society that were so clearly in front of him because his logic made them impossible. This is where the conflict between Leibniz and Voltaire began to arise. Voltai...... at the center of the paper ......rs is their inability to change their mentality despite the experiences they have experienced. The old woman, Cunegonde, and Martin all learn from their tortures and modify their beliefs to ignore philosophical optimism because of them. Candide and Pangloss's failure to do so results in further obstacles to face. What was once considered an outrageous concept is now common, and Voltaire's use of satire in Candide aided this transition. His blatant ridicule of philosophical optimism allowed people to recognize the flaws of the ideology. This led people to investigate further and develop different philosophies, some of which are still honored today. Although Candide was written in response to the Age of Enlightenment, its revolutionary ideas and concepts have had an impact throughout history and into the present day, and will continue to do so in the future..