In Zadig, Voltaire crafts a captivating tale of a virtuous young man navigating the tumultuous waters of fate in ancient Babylonia. Born into privilege and blessed with intelligence, Zadig embodies the ideals of goodness and reason, yet his unwavering principles lead him into a series of misadventures filled with love, betrayal, and philosophical musings.

As he grapples with the whims of destiny—losing his beloved Semira to a rival and facing the capriciousness of fortune—Zadig's journey becomes a rich exploration of morality, justice, and the absurdities of life. With sharp wit and keen observation, Voltaire invites readers to reflect on the nature of happiness and the often ironic twists of fate that challenge even the noblest of souls.