Chapter 21: Candide and Martin get into a discussion about men and evil and if it has always been around.
“Do you think,” said Candide, “that mankind always massacred
one another as they do now? Were they always guilty of lies, fraud,
treachery, ingratitude, inconstancy, envy, ambition, and cruelty? Were
they always thieves, fools, cowards, gluttons, drunkards, misers,
calumniators, debauchees, fanatics, and hypocrites?”
“Do you believe,” said Martin, “that hawks have always been
accustomed to eat pigeons when they came in their way?”
“Doubtless,” said Candide.
“Well then,” replied Martin, “if hawks have always had the same
nature, why should you pretend that mankind change theirs?” (62)
