The Candide Politically IncorrectCandide is a story that should be added to every canon of literature. It's a story that addresses questions about human nature that other stories choose to ignore. It addresses issues such as human nature, optimism, religion and the state. These elements provide insight and perspective that readers don't usually get in everyday literature. These elements are controversial, but from an honest point of view. Voltaire never tries to be politically correct: he says things as they are or at least tells them as he sees things. Voltaire not only confronts humanity's ignorance, but also directly challenges the integrity of Church and State. This, in Voltaire's time and often even today, can prove quite dangerous. Through all of this, Voltaire firmly opposes many issues related to religion and the state. Because of these dangerous themes, Voltaire was forced to deny having written Candide. By Voltaire's death in 1778, Candide had gone through fifty editions and become the best seller of the 18th century. (pg.11 Weitz) Because of the conflict prevalent in Candide's story, it makes this story a good topic for class discussion. A lot can be discussed on many topics. The range of offensive topics in Candide are sure to hit a nerve with everyone in some way, shape, or form. Or at least raise questions valuable enough for discussion. Candide is a story that students, in some parts, can identify with and perhaps in other parts they can feel offended by. It is a novel that everyone should definitely read to experience a perspective that is not often revealed in literature, especially on the day Voltaire wrote Candide..