Zadig

Zadig or fate ( Zadig ou la Destinée - Histoire orientale, first Memnon - Histoire orientale ) is a philosophical story by Voltaire from the year in 1747.

The to the so- called "little novels " belonging Zadig told in the style of the Arabian Nights, the turbulent adventures of a young, virtuous Babylonian, the lead by heavenly addition, the recently unveiled to him as a winged cherub, to a glorious, happy ending. The satirical representation reveals the religious fanaticism and the abuse of power in French society of the 18th century and raises the question of happiness and justice.

In the fairy-tale Zadig, or the fate of twelve years followed later, in 1759, as a " counterpart " Candide, or Optimism, another short novel, which is a snappy billing with Leibniz ' " prästabilisierter Harmony" also in the dress of a travel adventure.

• Illustrations to " Zadig " by Moreau le Jeune