Be not astonished at new ideas; for it is well known to you that a thing does not therefore cease to be true because it is not accepted by many.

Hatred is increased by being reciprocated, and can on the other hand be destroyed by love.

self-preservation is the primary and only foundation of virtue.

The world would be happier if men had the same capacity to be silent that they have to speak.

Whatsoever is contrary to nature is contrary to reason, and whatsoever is contrary to reason is absurd.

Superstition, then, is engendered, preserved, and fostered by fear.

Men are mistaken in thinking themselves free; their opinion is made up of consciousness of their own actions, and ignorance of the causes by which they are determined.