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Fate and Human Nature: Zadig by Voltaire

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Took place 2 months ago
Wed 09 Oct 19:00 - 21:00

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Let's discuss here the book Zadig by Voltaire.

"Zadig" is a philosophical novella by Voltaire, first published in Protected content . It follows the journey of Zadig, a wise and virtuous man in ancient Babylon, as he navigates a series of misfortunes and adventures. Through Zadig's experiences, Voltaire explores themes of fate, justice, love, and the search for happiness, all while critiquing societal norms and religious dogmas.

A free pdf version can be found here: Protected content

Some questions for the event:
How does Voltaire use the character of Zadig to critique the concept of fate and divine justice?

What role does irony and satire play in Voltaire’s portrayal of society, religion, and justice in "Zadig"?

How does his idea of happiness change by the end of the novella, and what does this evolution say about Voltaire’s view on the pursuit of a virtuous life?