In the excerpt from Candide, what concept does Pangloss assert regarding the nature of the world?

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Pangloss, a character in Voltaire's Candide, embodies the philosophical outlook known as optimism, which suggests that the world operates on a principle where everything occurs for a reason and that all events contribute to the ultimate good. He famously asserts that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds," reflecting the belief that despite the often harsh realities and injustices of life, there is a grand, benevolent design at play. This perspective is central to the satirical critique Voltaire offers of unfettered optimism, as the trials faced by Candide and his companions starkly contrast with Pangloss's assertions. Through these experiences, Voltaire examines the fallacies and limitations of an overly optimistic worldview, making Pangloss’s belief that all events lead to a greater good a focal point for the narrative’s exploration of human suffering and resilience. Thus, the assertion that everything occurs for a reason and is for the best aligns with the philosophy Pangloss represents in the text.

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