Surely, this is the best of all possible blogs!

I read Candide ages ago (funny story,-to have something to talk about with a boy whom I liked) and rather enjoyed it. Yet somehow, I didn't find myself enjoying it nearly as much this time around. The way that the story progresses, from one short chapter to the next, annoys me. I like more development than that. I also dislike the flatness of all the characters, although I know it is intentional. Still... I like longer stories, with more character development and less LISTEN TO MY POINT OF VIEW.

That being said, it's a good point of view. I always thought Leibniz's philosophy was a wee bit stupid, as is most philosophy that is religiously centered*. Really on premise, I don't disagree with the fact that this is the "best of all possible worlds." As a hard determinist, I believe this is the only possible world. Causal principle states that this is the only world that could have existed according to the laws of physics, genetics, etc. Thus, being the only possible world, it is the best. The only thing is, it is also the worst. It is only what it is, and it could be nothing else. The only issue that I really have with the philosophy is that the rationalization is "God is perfect, ergo the world he created is." As an agnostic who is becoming increasingly more like an atheist, this is the part that  don't like. 

Also, do authors still make fun of each other in their works? Throughout the novel (novella?), Voltaire is constantly making little jabs at his critics, peers, and enemies. Perhaps I am reading books in the wrong circles, but I have not read a modern book that goes about criticism in this manner. I would like to though- suggestion in the comments? If you know of any?

I also like the little references to the historical events of the time. Granted, I don't understand most of them, as I'm not very well versed in the politics of that time period, but I understand enough of them to appreciate that they all must be almost equally amusing, if not more amusing.

Total Book Count: 12 (damn... I need to read)

NonFic: 1 (yes, I still need to get around to this one)

*Like George Berkley's theory. I love Berkley when he's not being religious. When he's just like "to be is to be perceived." So essentially, nothing we see/perceive officially exists. Everything is just a perception. But then he gets all "but GOD always sees" and I start to hate his philosophy. Ugh. Why must theology always mix with philosophy? Silly humans and their need for security in the after life. Religion is such a hindrance to philosophical debate.