Chapter XXI

Martin describes the people of France across different provinces as variously foolish, cunning, weak, or affectedly witty, with their principal occupations being love, slander, and nonsense.

Martin recounts being robbed by pickpockets, falsely imprisoned as a criminal, and having to work as a press corrector to escape the chaotic city, while reluctantly acknowledging rumors of polite society there.

Candide declares he has no interest in seeing France because his only desire since leaving El Dorado is to reunite with Cunegonde in Venice.

Martin agrees to travel with Candide everywhere because, lacking money himself, he benefits from Candide's wealth.

Candide asks Martin whether he believes the earth was originally a sea, as claimed in a book belonging to the captain.

Martin dismisses the theory about the earth's origin and disavows belief in other recent published theories.

Candide asks what purpose the world was formed for if not as a former sea.

Martin answers that the world exists only to torment mankind.

Candide asks whether Martin finds it surprising that the Oreillohs girls had romantic passion for monkeys.

Martin states he is not surprised because he has witnessed so many extraordinary things that surprise is no longer possible for him.

Candide asks Martin whether humans have always possessed all their various vices—whether they have perpetually been liars, thieves, murderers, and so forth.

Martin responds by asking whether hawks have always eaten pigeons, implying that human nature is as naturally unchanging as animal nature.

Candide confirms that hawks have indeed always preyed on pigeons.

Martin concludes that if hawks have always maintained their predatory character, humans should similarly be expected to have always retained their vicious nature.

Candide begins to object by pointing out the crucial difference between humans and animals: humans possess free will.