For a reader to have a true understanding of Candide, they must know the purpose of Voltaire’s writing. Voltaire shows the flaws of Leibniz’, a German philosopher of Voltaire’s time, idea that the world they live in is the best of all possible worlds cause it is God’s creation through the use of satire. Voltaire uses Pangloss and a contrasting character, Martin, to point out the shortcomings in Leibniz’ philosophy. Voltaire creates Pangloss, a firm believer of Leibniz’ philosophy, to show the fool hness in Leibniz’ ideas. While Martin is a pessimist that constantly shows Candide that the world is vicious an