Pangloss is a fictional character in the 1759 novel called Candide by Voltaire. Pangloss’ full name is Dr. Peter Pangloss. Dr. Pangloss is Candide’s tutor and mentor. He teaches that in this best of all possible worlds, everything happens out of absolute necessity, and that everything happens for the best. Like Dr. Pangloss’ teachings, our association believes in the same “curious, optimistic” philosophy.