The universal rule of reason can be also considered a dogma, principles laid down by an authority as inconvertible. It establishes rules lay down by societies that are governed by reason and it is pretty much absurd to go against them. While reading Voltaire’s Candide I noticed how he constantly mocks the world and its dogmas knowing that you can set as many rules as you want but the world will never be fair, not even for the one that acts rightly. When a mom dies giving birth, nothing is fair. I life was ended when bringing a human to the world to pamper and give love, and a child will have to grow up alone without even braking the universal rule of reason in his entire life.
“I am a sailor and was born in Batavia. I have had to trample on the crucifix four times in various trips I’ve been to Japan. I’m not the man for your Universal Reason” (pg. 34)
The sailor expresses the “perfect” way of seeing life if we asked Voltaire. No life is perfect or better than the other, bad things will happen to everybody and why keep on trying to achieve happiness if every corner you turn a harder challenge or a more devastating story will hit you.
Most humans go by the “treat others the way you want to be treated” the only problem is that life is not that way. Life can be karma but also act as backstabber. It is the only thing that when treated certain way will act bipolar and go either path. The solution is not to worry as Old Woman said: “I have grown old in misery and shame, but I have never forgotten that I am the daughter of the Pope. I have wanted to kill myself a hundred times, but somehow I am still in love life.” (pg. 57). Ingenuity is the best medicine to soar the pains.
I really liked this post, specially your view towards how dogmas were set up and we are in no position to go against them. the quote you used from the book perfectly explains your point which I like because it is clear and concise.
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