The Border Of Perfection

These two chapters have been very interesting and captivating. The best way to learn is through experience, and since you can’t experience everything, learning from others experiences is also great. The reader is told several stories which all include tragedy. It is a recurring theme that Voltaire has very present in his mind. Each time I see a movie or hear a story that has to do with a suicide I think it is ridiculous. Why would someone end his life? There is no turning back, no way to say sorry. You just end everything. What can be so bad that merits terminating everything? The bible mentions suicide as a sin. If you commit suicide you will go to hell. I am not very fond of the bible and I do not always agree with what it mentions, but I do agree with this part. I have learned a lot by reading Candide. The experiences he goes through and the attitude he shows us towards each of them are exemplary.

Surprisingly, the book touches upon suicide. Some people live their entire lives without joy and happiness. It is a classic tragedy. As I mentioned, I do not agree with suicide, but what I learned in this chapter has changed my point of view: “I have wanted to kill myself a hundred times, but somehow I am still in love with life. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our most melancholy propensities; for is there anything more stupid than to be eager to go on carrying a burden which one would gladly throw away” (57). This statement is correct and has proven me wrong. We are always trying to do what interests us and not do what we dislike. If we despise life, why should you continue living? I could not find an answer to this question, and that is why I agree with this statement. There are still many reasons why suicide is not the right choice, but I have to accept that it sometimes is. I now realize that there is much for me to learn. There is no limit to a certain topic, an expert can always learn more. We must continue to try and reach the borders of perfection without expecting it in order to live happily.