Le Monde comme il va, vision de Babouc

In this sharp, imagined travelogue Voltaire sends us to the edge of the ancient world, where celestial beings supervise the empires of Asia. The story opens with the high‑ranking genie Ituriel dispatching the humble Scythe‑keeper Baboul on a delicate diplomatic mission to the Persian capital. Charged with assessing the city’s excesses before a divine verdict, Baboul must rely on his wits, his newfound authority, and the trust the heavens have placed in him.

Baboul’s journey quickly turns into a vivid tableau of soldiers, rival armies, and the bewildered locals caught in their own conflicts. He meets a war‑torn foot‑soldier who answers duty with resigned fatalism, and a captain more concerned with pay than purpose. Through these encounters Voltaire exposes the absurdity of power, the fickle motives of war, and the everyday humanity that persists even amid chaos. The narrative blends witty commentary with lively scenes, inviting listeners to reflect on the timeless folly of ambition.