--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How many plays have been written in…" description: "\"“How many plays have been written in France?' Candide asked the abbe. 'Five or six thousand.' 'That's a lot,' said Candide. 'How many of them are good?..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b7/voltaire-173_actor_how-many-plays-have-been-written-in-fran_1305112.jpg" --- # How many plays have been written in France?' Candide asked… ![“How many plays have been written in France?' Candide asked the abbe. 'Five or six thousand.' 'That's a lot,' said Candide. 'How many of them are good?' 'Fifteen or sixteen,' replied the abbe. 'That's a lot,' said Martin.” quote by Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b7/voltaire-173_actor_how-many-plays-have-been-written-in-fran_1305112.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b7/voltaire-173_actor_how-many-plays-have-been-written-in-fran_1305112.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b7/voltaire-173_actor_how-many-plays-have-been-written-in-fran_1305112.jpg) > ““How many plays have been written in France?' Candide asked the abbe. 'Five or six thousand.' 'That's a lot,' said Candide. 'How many of them are good?' 'Fifteen or sixteen,' replied the abbe. 'That's a lot,' said Martin.”” [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The dialogue satirically questions the abundance of theatrical works versus their quality. **In simple terms:** Many plays exist, but few are good. Key Takeaway Value quality over quantity. Themes art literature criticism Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - literary criticism - curating festivals - educational curricula Key Concepts aesthetic value cultural production subjectivity Questions to Reflect On - What criteria define a "good" play? - How does quantity affect artistic standards? 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