CANDIDE’S GARDEN: A SOCIETY OF ÜBERMENSCHEN

Authors

  • Muhammad Mubashar Saeed Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Pakistan
  • Alia Nazir Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejls.v7i1.689

Keywords:

ideal, reason, enlightenment, Übermensch, overcoming

Abstract

The question of a perfect society and its merits has been argued among human beings for centuries. The answer to this question is provided by many philosophers and reformers in the form of different theories, including idealism, absurdism, nihilism, existentialism, etc. Two of these prominent thinkers were Voltaire from the eighteenth century and Nietzsche from the nineteenth century. The ideal human being, suggested and redefined by Voltaire, is in terms of enlightenment and reason. He associated his ideal especially with practicality and knowledge. This research analyzes the cultivation of the garden in the novella Candide. The garden society is suggested by Voltaire as a solution to the problem of the human ideal. The researchers aim to perform this analysis through a Nietzschean lens by using the concept of Übermensch. This superman is a person who has the ability to overcome his prejudices and evolve into a better self. With his improved thought process, he is able to create a new moral basis for people and society. Nietzsche’s superman has will to power and believes in the eternal recurrence of events. This research signifies the importance of the evolution of the self and society, which is crucial to the human search for meaning and existence.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Mubashar Saeed, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Pakistan

    Muhammad Mubashar Saeed is passionate about exploring literary satire and enlightenment philosophy, with a keen interest in applying interdisciplinary approaches to literary texts. He holds Master’s degrees in both English and Philosophy, and has completed his MPhil from Riphah International University, Lahore Campus. He can be contacted at: mubasharsaeed666@gmail.com

  • Alia Nazir, Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Pakistan

    Alia Nazir’s research interests include science fiction, gothic literature and crime fiction, and she has a passion for exploring literary texts from psychoanalytical, philosophical and technological perspectives. She graduated with a Master’s degree in English and has completed an MPhil. She can be contacted at: alian01611@gmail.com

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Published

2026-03-02

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Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026)

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