Audiobooks by Voltaire

"Candide is characterised by its sarcastic tone, as well as by its erratic, fantastical and fast-moving plot. A picaresque novel with a story similar to that of a more serious bildungsroman, it parodies many adventure and romance clichés, the struggles of which are caricatured in a tone that is mordantly matter-of-fact. Still, the events discussed are often based on historical happenings, such as the Seven Years' War and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. As philosophers of Voltaire's day contended with the problem of evil, so too does Candide in this short novel, albeit more directly and humorously. Voltaire ridicules religion, theologians, governments, armies, philosophies, and philosophers through allegory; most conspicuously, he assaults Leibniz and his optimism. Voltaire's men and women point his case against optimism by starting high and falling low. A modern could not go about it after this fashion. He would not plunge his people into an unfamiliar misery. He would just keep them in the misery they were born to. But such an account of Voltaire's procedure is as misleading as the plaster cast of a dance. Look at his procedure again. Mademoiselle Cunégonde, the illustrious Westphalian, sprung from a family that could prove seventy-one quarterings, descends and descends until we find her earning her keep by washing dishes in the Propontis. The aged faithful attendant, victim of a hundred acts of rape by negro pirates, remembers that she is the daughter of a pope, and that in honor of her approaching marriage with a Prince of Massa-Carrara all Italy wrote sonnets of which not one was passable. We do not need to know French literature before Voltaire in order to feel, although the lurking parody may escape us, that he is poking fun at us and at himself. His laughter at his own methods grows more unmistakable at the last, when he caricatures them by casually assembling six fallen monarchs in an inn at Venice. A modern assailant of optimism would arm himself with social pity. There is no social pity in 'Candide.' Voltaire, whose light touch on familiar institutions opens them and reveals their absurdity, likes to remind us that the slaughter and pillage and murder which Candide witnessed among the Bulgarians was perfectly regular, having been conducted according to the laws and usages of war. Had Voltaire lived today he would have done to poverty what he did to war. Pitying the poor, he would have shown us poverty as a ridiculous anachronism, and both the ridicule and the pity would have expressed his indignation."

Voltaire (Author), XYZ Voices (Narrator)

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[German] - Candide: oder der Optimismus

"Voltaire, einer der schärfsten Denker der Aufklärung, veröffentlichte Candide im Jahr 1759 – ein Jahr, das nicht zufällig gewählt war. Europa war erschüttert vom Siebenjährigen Krieg, das Erdbeben von Lissabon 1755 hatte die metaphysischen Fundamente der Theodizee erschüttert, und die katholische Kirche stand zunehmend unter intellektuellem Beschuss. In diesem Kontext entfaltet Candide seine subversive Kraft: als satirischer Roman, als philosophisches Pamphlet und als literarisches Meisterwerk. Im Zentrum der Erzählung steht die Figur des Dr. Pangloss, ein Karikaturbild des Leibnizschen Optimismus, der behauptet, wir lebten 'in der besten aller möglichen Welten'. Voltaire zerlegt diese Denkweise mit bitterer Ironie. Die grotesken Katastrophen, die Candide und seine Gefährten heimsuchen – Krieg, Vergewaltigung, Inquisition, Sklaverei, Naturkatastrophen – dienen nicht nur der Komik, sondern sind ein rhetorisches Mittel zur Widerlegung der metaphysischen Vertröstung. Die Welt, so Voltaire, ist nicht durch göttliche Vernunft geordnet, sondern durch menschliche Torheit und Grausamkeit geprägt. Voltaire nutzt die Form des Schelmenromans, um mit leichter Hand schwerwiegende Themen zu verhandeln. Die episodische Struktur erlaubt es ihm, verschiedene gesellschaftliche Institutionen – Kirche, Militär, Aristokratie, Philosophie – ins Visier zu nehmen. Dabei ist seine Sprache bewusst einfach gehalten, fast lakonisch, was die Absurdität der geschilderten Ereignisse umso schärfer hervortreten lässt. Die Ironie ist allgegenwärtig, aber nie selbstzweckhaft: Sie dient der Aufklärung, der Entlarvung von Dogmen und der Förderung des kritischen Denkens.Das berühmte Schlusswort 'Il faut cultiver notre jardin' ('Wir müssen unseren Garten bestellen') ist keine triviale Lebensweisheit, sondern ein radikaler Gegenentwurf zur spekulativen Philosophie. Es ist ein Plädoyer für praktische Vernunft, für Arbeit, für Selbstverantwortung."

Voltaire (Author), Wolfgang Schrader (Narrator)

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Candide - Audiobook

"Candide is Voltaire's razor-sharp philosophical satire that follows the naive young man Candide as he travels the world, enduring war, betrayal, natural disasters, and heartbreak — all while clinging to his mentor Pangloss's absurd claim that 'all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.' Through Candide's misadventures, Voltaire mercilessly mocks blind optimism, organized religion, and the cruelty of human institutions. Packed with irony, wit, and fast-paced action, Candide remains one of the most influential works of the Enlightenment. Beneath its humor lies a serious call for reason, practical action, and compassion — a reminder that cultivating one's own garden may be the truest form of wisdom."

Classic Audiobooks, Voltaire (Author), Charles Farrow (Narrator)

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[Spanish] - Memnón: O la Sabiduría Humana

"El relato cuenta la historia de Memnón, un hombre que decide alcanzar la sabiduría absoluta siguiendo una vida estrictamente virtuosa y racional. Para ello, renunciará a sus pasiones, permanecerá sobrio, vivirá de su fortuna sin tener que cortejar y cultivará sus amistades. Sin embargo, sus esfuerzos por llevar una existencia perfecta resultan en una serie de desastres cómicos. Memnón, se enfrenta a pérdidas, decepciones y absurdidades que desbaratan sus planes, llevándolo a comprender que la perfección humana es inalcanzable. Un espíritu celestial se le aparece en sueños y le aconseja que, para ser «suficientemente feliz», nunca haga «el tonto plan de ser sabio». Cuando añade que todo está bien, Memnón le responde que sólo le creerá cuando deje de ser tuerto. La obra destaca por su crítica a las pretensiones humanas de controlar el destino y alcanzar una sabiduría total. A través de la experiencia de Memnón, Voltaire subraya la fragilidad de los ideales humanos y el papel del azar en la vida, una lección recurrente en su pensamiento filosófico. El cuento describe la estupidez humana y, al mismo tiempo, niega cualquier tipo de providencia benevolente. Muestra la incapacidad del hombre para encontrar la felicidad a través de sus propios esfuerzos, y demuestra así la impotencia de la filosofía. Sin embargo, no se ridiculiza al propio Memnón, sino su plan, y también a su pseudo-ángel de la guarda, incapaz de protegerle o consolarle, y que también acaba descubriendo que el mundo es un manicomio."

Voltaire (Author), Artur Mas (Narrator)

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[Russian] - Philosophical Tales

"Witty, daring, and incisive – Voltaire’s philosophical tales challenge dogma and champion reason in the face of oppression. Voltaire’s Philosophical Tales—including works like Candide, Zadig, and Micromégas—blend adventure with sharp social critique, using satire to expose the follies of religious intolerance, political tyranny, and blind optimism. Through engaging narratives and memorable characters, Voltaire invites readers to question established norms and embrace critical thinking. Each tale serves as a vehicle for Enlightenment ideals, advocating for freedom of thought and the pursuit of knowledge. Voltaire’s masterful storytelling and biting humor continue to resonate, offering timeless insights into human nature and society. After listening to this book, you will learn: • the principles of Enlightenment philosophy; • the use of satire to critique societal and religious institutions; • the dangers of dogmatism and the value of skepticism; • the role of reason in personal and societal development; • the enduring impact of Voltaire’s ideas on modern thought. Philosophical Tales is a compelling collection that entertains while provoking deep reflection on the human condition."

Voltaire (Author), Petr Filin (Narrator)

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[French] - Candide ou l'Optimisme

"Candide ou l'Optimisme – Un chef-d'œuvre intemporel de Voltaire ! Plongez dans Candide ou l'Optimisme, le roman satirique le plus célèbre de Voltaire, où l’innocence se heurte à la cruauté du monde. Suivez Candide, un jeune homme bercé par l’optimisme de son maître Pangloss, dans une aventure effrénée à travers l’Europe, l’Amérique et l’Orient. Guerres, tremblements de terre, trahisons et rencontres improbables jalonnent son parcours, l’obligeant à remettre en question sa vision naïve du monde. Avec son humour mordant, ses réflexions philosophiques profondes et son style incisif, Voltaire livre une critique cinglante des illusions humaines et des dogmes de son époque. Mais au-delà de la satire, Candide est un roman palpitant, rythmé par des rebondissements incessants et une galerie de personnages hauts en couleur. Un classique incontournable, aussi drôle que percutant, qui vous fera voyager, rire et réfléchir ! Disponible dès maintenant – Ne manquez pas ce chef-d’œuvre de la littérature !"

Voltaire (Author), Jeanne François (Narrator)

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[French] - Candide, ou l'optimisme

"Chef-d’œuvre du grand écrivain et philosophe Voltaire, Candide, ou l'Optimisme, publié en 1759, est un conte qui suit les aventures de Candide, un jeune homme naïf, élevé dans une vision du monde optimiste. Ce principe de l'optimisme, enseigné par son mentor Pangloss, est sans cesse mis à l'épreuve dans une série de catastrophes et de malheurs : guerres, tremblements de terre, naufrages, et trahisons, dont la guerre de Sept Ans et le séisme de 1755 à Lisbonne. Même au-delà de ces événements, Candide voyage à travers le monde, de l'Europe à l'Amérique du Sud, tout en découvrant la cruauté et l'absurdité de la condition humaine. À travers une satire mordante, Voltaire critique la philosophie de l'optimisme de Leibniz, ainsi que l'hypocrisie religieuse, le despotisme, et les injustices sociales propres à l'époque. L'œuvre reste d'actualité, posant au lecteur la question suivante : comment supporter le malheur et mener une vie pleine de sens malgré tout ?"

Voltaire (Author), Pascal Gimenez (Narrator)

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Candide

"When Candide is cast out of his sheltered life, he embarks on a journey filled with war, natural disasters, betrayal, and heartbreak—all while clinging to the optimistic philosophy of his mentor, Pangloss. As he travels across Europe and the Americas, encountering a bizarre array of characters and suffering the harsh realities of life, Candide's faith in idealism is repeatedly tested. In this classic satire, Voltaire skewers the pretensions of philosophy, religion, and social systems, offering a compelling critique of human nature. A timeless classic, Candide is a powerful exploration of optimism, human folly, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world."

Voltaire (Author), Peter Kenny (Narrator)

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Candide, Or Optimism

"Join Candide on a wild ride through life! This young man believes the world is the best it can be, but guess what? The world has other plans. Torn from his cozy life, Candide embarks on a journey through palaces and battlefields, across continents and seas. He sees war, gets betrayed, loses everything, and yet he keeps searching for meaning and love. Voltaire, the master of wit, takes aim at blind faith and empty ideals. As Candide faces challenges and tests, we too are forced to confront the mysteries of fate and human nature. This audiobook brings Voltaire’s original text to life with clear and powerful narration. It’s not just about following Candide’s adventures -- it’s about grappling with his questions, sharing his laughter, and finding wisdom in his quiet conclusion."

Voltaire (Author), Athanasius Flamel (Narrator)

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Anthology of Classic Short Stories. Vol. 7 (Humour, Satire and Tall Tales): The Ransom of Red Chief

"Satire, Humor and Irony in some cases have been regarded as the most effective source to understand a society, the oldest form of social study. Contents: The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry What Stumped the Blue Jays by Mark Twain The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain The Toys of Peace by Saki (H. H. Munro) The Artful Hussar by Johann Peter Hebel From The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Rudolf Erich Raspe The Golden Honeymoon by Ring Lardner When I Was a Witch by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Micromegas: A Philosophical History by Voltaire"

Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Johann Peter Hebel, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Ring Lardner, Rudolf Erich Raspe, Saki, Voltaire (Author), Jim Gerard, Mark Bowen (Narrator)

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[French] - Candide, ou l'Optimisme - Livre Audio

"Candide, ou l'Optimisme de Voltaire est un conte philosophique publié en 1759. Il suit Candide, un jeune homme naïf dont l'optimisme est inspiré par les enseignements de son précepteur, Pangloss, qui croit que « tout est pour le mieux dans le meilleur des mondes possibles. » Mais après son expulsion de son château en Westphalie, Candide est plongé dans un monde brutal où il fait face à des guerres, des désastres et des injustices. Au cours de ses voyages avec divers compagnons, y compris Cunégonde et Cacambo, Candide découvre les hypocrisies de la religion, les abus de pouvoir et les absurdités de l'optimisme aveugle. Par son humour et son ironie, Voltaire critique les maux de la société tout en abordant les questions de la souffrance et de la nature humaine. Finalement, Candide comprend que la sagesse consiste à « cultiver son jardin », symbole de la recherche de sens et de la simplicité. Ce chef-d'œuvre de la littérature française reste une critique percutante de l'humanité, en mêlant satire et réflexion profonde."

Livres audio en français, Voltaire (Author), Guillaume Fournier (Narrator)

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Fables for Adults

"As we grow from child to adult we are usually told short stories which soften and help us understand the vital information a story has to impart. It’s a clever concept by saying one thing―many times with an animal protagonist―and meaning another. In adult years these stories continue along the same lines but what they are really saying is that what you see is not always what you get.Words from the pens of Oscar Wilde, Leo Tolstoy, Henry James and others really can illuminate and explain subjects difficult to broach.1 - Fables for Adults - An Introduction2 - The Devoted Friend by Oscar Wilde3 - The Altar of the Dead - Part 1 by Henry James4 - The Altar of the Dead - Part 2 by Henry James5 - How Much Land Does A Man Need by Leo Tolstoy6 - The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde7 - The Rewards of Industry by Richard Garnett8 - The Lightning Rod Man by Herman Melville9 - The Man Who Hated God by Winifred Holtby10 - The Strange Looking Man by Fanny Kemble Johnson11 - The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde12 - How a Muzhik Fed Two Officials by Nikolai Schedrin13 - The Nightingale and the Rose by Oscar Wilde14 - The Tale Of The Stairs by Hristo Smirenski15 - The Juniper Tree by The Brothers Grimm16 - The Three Palaces by Richard Garnett17 - The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde18 - Jeannot and Colin by Voltaire"

Fanny Kemble Johnson, Henry James, Herman Melville, Hristo Smirenski, Leo Tolstoy, Nikolai Schedrin, Oscar Wilde, Richard Garnett, The Brothers Grimm, Voltaire, Winifred Holtby (Author), Elliot Fitzpatrick, Eric Myers, Kelly O'Doherty (Narrator)

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