No attempt here is made to present in detail an account of the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz (1646-1716), which Voltaire called "optimism," the term he used as the subtitle to Candide, but only to call attention to the points relevant to an understanding of the philosophical tale. Pangloss referred to the German as "the most profound metaphysician of Germany," and, in view of his constant use of Leibnitzian terms and concepts, he has often been identified with the German philosopher. To that extent, through the character of Pangloss, Voltaire satirized Leibnitz. But the great philosopher and mathematician, the man who was co-discoverer with Newton, yet independently, of differential calculus, was anything but such a ridiculous figure.
Although as early as 1733, Voltaire had written in a note in Temple du goût that no man of letters had done Germany greater honor and that Leibnitz was more universal than his revered Newton. It was not until 1737 that he really became interested in the philosophy. In that year Frederick the Great wrote to him enthusiastically about the works of Christian Wolff, the man credited with systematizing Leibnitz's views. His mistress, Mme. du Châtelet, was a dedicated Leibnitzian, and during his stay at Cirey, Voltaire, although concentrating largely on Newton, took part in the study and lengthy discussions of the German's philosophy.
