Why do punishments exist in the first place? All actions must have a consequence to them. If we do generous things, typically we will be rewarded. If we do evil things, punishment is inevitable. Our society has its share of good and evil. Good and evil, however, can be interchangeable. We see things from different perspectives, some would see an action as an act of kindness but others might see it as meager or rude.
Should Candide have been punished then? His innocence made him ignorant and his ignorant made him foolish. His punishment was not in vain. It was a way for him to snap back into reality and forget his so called "paradise." People shouldn't always have things go their way. A so called "paradise" should not exist in our world. People need to be constantly challenged to strengthen their resolve and add more to their experience. The feeling of safety made Candide vulnerable and weak.
Punishment is necessary in most societies. Some people live their life, thinking that they can do whatever they want without any consequences. Punishment is there to show these people that their actions are not justified in their society and it exists to remind people what will happen to them if they do not act accordingly.
Harsh, but you make a very good point.
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