| 释义 |
Pangloss|ˈpænglɒs|
Name of the philosopher and tutor in Voltaire's Candide (1759) who believes that ‘all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds’, used allusively for one who is optimistic regardless of the circumstances. Also attrib. Hence ˈPanglossism, an unrealistically optimistic attitude or saying; Panˈglossic a., characteristic of Pangloss.
1844Disraeli Coningsby I. ii. i. 153 The political Panglosses who..were continually proving that this was the best of all possible governments. 1926J. S. Huxley Ess. Pop. Sci. xii. 147 This conclusion, from its inception with some of the Stoics to its Panglossic latter end in certain evolutionists, he dismisses. 1928A. Huxley in Life & Letters 1 Oct. 345 We are to interpret them, Pangloss fashion, in terms of preconceived philosophy. 1931Times Lit. Suppl. 10 Dec. 994/4 We can best envisage him..still the sworn disciple of Pangloss the optimist. 1959Encounter Nov. 66/2 He includes..some of his pet Panglossisms, such as that learning is happiness. 1964Economist 11 July 128/2 This is cheerfulness raised to the level of Panglossism. 1973Listener 5 Apr. 438/1 The [Egyptian] regime's official Dr. Pangloss, Culture Minister Dr Abdel Khader Hatem. |