Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.

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.

What has not been examined impartially has not been well examined. Skepticism is therefore the first step towards truth.

Passions destroy more prejudices than philosophy does.

Mankind have banned the Divinity from their presence; they have relegated him to a sanctuary; the walls of the temple restrict his view; he does not exist outside of it.

Give, but, if possible, spare the poor man the shame of begging.

Scepticism is the first step toward truth.