Voltaire's Zadig is a young man of Babylon who is wise and good, and whose attempts to live by reason run into disaster after disaster. He loses his betrothed, is persecuted by rivals, and is sold into slavery, while he observes details about animals and people with unusual skill. The tale mocks the idea of providence and shows the unpredictable course of events, with an angel who explains the world's apparent injustices. The volume collects other contes by Voltaire.
It suits readers who want to sample Enlightenment satire, and those who like short philosophical tales with a dry sense of humor. It is also a good starting point before Candide.
Deep, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1996
- ISBN
- 9782080720306
- Language
- FR
Quotes by Voltaire
More →Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.
Common sense is not so common.
Dictionnaire Philosophique
