"A hundred times I wanted to kill myself, but always I loved life more. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our worst instincts; is anything more stupid than choosing to carry a burden that really one wants to cast on the ground? To hold existence in horror, and yet to cling to it? to fondle the serpent which devours us till it has eaten out our heart? In the countries through which I have been forced to wander, in the taverns where I have had to work, I have seen a vast number of people who hated their existence; but I never saw more than a dozen who deliberately put an end to their own misery." Candide, Voltaire Chapter 12
As opposed to Pangloss the tutors outlook on life- Everything is not for the best as Candide travels the world enduring misfortunes and viewing other people in terrible situations. As Cunegonde's maid points out, many people hate their existence but still cling to life for some unknown reason. This quote fits one of the main themes and ideas that the book presents: that there is little virtue and little happiness in the world. This depressing outlook on life is confirmed as Candide finally has everything he ever wanted and is still unhappy. Just as the rich count who has everything but enjoys nothing, Candide finally gets the girl (Cunegonde) who now gives him little happiness because of her ugliness and boring nature, as well as his tutor Pangloss back (who wasn't actually killed by the hanging) as well as his valet Cacambo. Despite all of this, he is unhappy and is full of misery.
Although the book begins with Candide's optimistic outlook, every experience proves that bad always seems to win and even if it doesn't, people are miserable with what they have. By the end of the book Pangloss's philosophy seems foolish and idealistic. Candide renounces this naive belief as he sees others tragedies and goes through his own turmoil
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