�y��vlog

The highfalutin parallel is to “Candide,” the classic 18th century novel about a naif who endures the horrors of civilization: chaos, selfishness, disease and destruction.

"William Wells Brown’s 'Clotel' was the first novel written by an African American, and, in my view, it presents the philosophy of Black liberalism in the form of a story, in a manner akin to Voltaire’s 'Candide.'"

It reminded me of the final line of one of my favorite novels, “Candide.”

Candide lives a life of ease before years of trials and tragedies that leave him increasingly bitter.

I didn’t mention Voltaire, but “Candide” was on my mind when I asked Flores how he deals with political disappointment.