The novel "Candide" written by Voltaire, tells of a journey in through which the protagonist, Candide, will find knowledge through the experiences he will have to undergo. Candide will be subjected to mishaps and sufferings; nonetheless, he will find contentment that will fill his heart and mind. In search to find the woman that he wants to marry (Cunegonde), Candide will have to understand the irrationality of Pangloss and Martin's Philosophies, eventually realizing the reality behind happiness and suffering. Ultimately, Candide could have been perceived as being materialistic, do to his belief that being happy meant possessing all the riches of the world. However, in the end, he discovers that there was just something he missed, something that wasn't there before. Perhaps, Candide might have finally acknowledged that what really lasts can't be found in a pocket, but a place where dreams and feelings are kept: the mind and the heart.
             In reading the novel, I found myself contemplating the numerous events that I have so far experienced. Being in agreement, having doubts, and calculating opinions, was just the beginning of what would be my exploration into this book. Then it hit me, September 11, 2001, the year that all individuals of rich colors, languages, religions, and economic status were forced to forget who they were and what they did for a leaving. All we had to know is that our freedom had been attacked. Prior to 9/11, we were very caught up in the materialistic world. We were so self-involved in money, fame, cars and so on. We took things like love, knowledge, or simply the feeling of being spiritually fulfilled as if it were less important than our materialistic wishes. The moral of the novel was just that. Just as the 172 year old man who had a very simplistic life, turned out to be extremely happy with life, one can also learn to understand that happiness does not rely on material goods, but ins...