The superfluous, a very necessary thing

The superfluous, a very necessary thing

In the context of Voltaire, the idea of the superfluous being a very necessary thing can be seen as a reflection of his views on society, culture, and human nature. Voltaire was a French Enlightenment thinker known for his wit, satire, and criticism of the established order. He believed in the power of reason, tolerance, and freedom of thought, and often used his writing to challenge the prevailing norms and beliefs of his time.

One of Voltaire's most famous works, "Candide," is a satirical novel that critiques the optimism of the Enlightenment period. In the novel, the character of Pangloss embodies the belief that everything in the world is for the best, and that all events are part of a divine plan. However, as the story unfolds, Candide experiences a series of misfortunes and tragedies that challenge this optimistic worldview. Through the character of Pangloss, Voltaire highlights the absurdity of blind optimism and the dangers of clinging to outdated beliefs.