Dr.Panglos An Emblem Of Wisdom

All through out chapter 6 ,I pondered on what Voltaire was trying to do with Dr.Panglos. Clearly since  Voltaire was mentioning him so much so he must have a “target” for this philosopher.What might this be ? I reached the conclusion that Voltaire was making fun of Dr.Panglos. Well not exactly of him  but of Candide and Cunegonde for paying so much attention to this “great Philosopher”.Voltaire in my opinion found it ridiculous that Monarchs and rich individuals thought much better of themselves  because of having tutors Like Dr.Panglos. “He had not much intelligence and little understanding of Philosophy:It was quite clear that he had not been brought up by Dr.Panglos.”pg 40.This is a clear example of how Voltaire wants to show us how Monarchs think of themselves to be much more for having these “geniuses” teaching them.

  These Tutors  were thought to be “great Philosophers”how ever these tutors really turned out to be ignorant brutes, who took advantage of the Monarchs. “He wanted to through himself into the sea after the Anabaptist , but the great Philosopher,Panglos,stopped him by proving that the Lisbon harbor was made on purpose for this Anabaptist to drown there.”pg 35.Through phrases like these Voltaire wants to ridicule  these so called “Great Philosophers” , who's advice is pathetic.Voltaire is basically saying That a rich man isn't necessarily an educated and intelligent man.

Dr.Panglos how ever has reminded me of  important people in my life.He has reminded me of my math tutor Mrs Borrero.She never lets me give up on an exercise and always pushes me to do better.He has also reminded me of my soccer coach who has been a mentor to me.He is always motivating me and giving me advice not only in the game but in  life too.Last but definitely not least Dr.Panglos reminds me of my wise grandfather.When I was 4 years old I began to cry because my older cousins made fun of me.My grandfather who caught me weeping in a corner taught me a lesson I will never forget.He said he was going to take me out to do something fun.We went to a store in which he bought a cocoanut tree that was about my height.He took me back home and he made me spend all afternoon planting that tree in the back yard.By the end of the day I was sweating and complaining and about to cry.My grandfather brought me a glass of water and then made me stand up next to the tree. He said “Pedro this morning this was just a regular plant how ever because of your effort and your hard work this tree will come to be the biggest tree in the whole back yard”.Pedro this is what life is about when people make fun of you ,dont sit down and be sorry for yourself.Work hard and puts lots of effort in what you are passionate about and you will become the tallest tree in the yard.

I was very young and innocent back then but I know that I shall never forget that lesson that I was taught that day.When ever I don't like something I am not suppose to cry about it but actually do something about it.