It’s pretty wild that Leibniz’s theory of providence & Voltaire’s demolition are both inspired by Pierre Bayle’s article, “Manichaeans”.
Voltaire’s novella Candide hinges on a character, Martin, who says: “I am a Manichaean.” “There are no Manichaeans left in the world”, says Candide. “There is me”, Martin replies.
D. L. Dusenbury 