Those authors into whose hands nature has placed a magic wand, with which they no sooner touch us than we forget the unhappiness in life, than the darkness leaves our soul, and we are reconciled to existence, should be placed among the benefactors of the human race.

You risk just as much in being credulous as in being suspicious.

Passions destroy more prejudices than philosophy does.

In any country where talent and virtue produce no advancement, money will be the national god. Its inhabitants will either have to possess money or make others believe that they do. Wealth will be the highest virtue, poverty the greatest vice.

Those who fear the facts will forever try to discredit the fact-finders.

Superstition is more injurious to God than atheism.

Fanaticism is just one step away from barbarism.