A French minister's attempt to recast himself as a literary heavyweight misfired after declaring his favourite book is Zadig et Voltaire– a women's clothes store.
The minister was probably referring to Zadig, or the Book of Fate, one of Voltaire's most celebrated works which tells the story of a wise man who is constantly prey to changing fortunes. Zadig is told to submit to fate, as evil is necessary to maintain the order of the world and to ensure good survives.
More at TTel.
Frédéric Lefevbre, a junior trade minister has become the laughing stock of the French literary world for mistaking the trendy fashion brand with a work by Voltaire, the 18th century philosopher. In an interview at Paris' book fair last week, in which he was signing copies of his first book, he was asked what work had most made an impression on him among all those he had read. He said:
"Without doubt Zadig et Voltaire. It is a lesson about life and I dip into it often."
The minister was probably referring to Zadig, or the Book of Fate, one of Voltaire's most celebrated works which tells the story of a wise man who is constantly prey to changing fortunes. Zadig is told to submit to fate, as evil is necessary to maintain the order of the world and to ensure good survives.
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