Man was born to live with his fellow human beings. Separate him, isolate him, his character will go bad, a thousand ridiculous affects will invade his heart, extravagant thoughts will germinate in his brain, like thorns in an uncultivated land.
Denis DiderotWhat has not been examined impartially has not been well examined. Skepticism is therefore the first step towards truth.
Denis DiderotWhich is the greater merit, to enlighten the human race, which remains forever, or to save one's fatherland, which is perishable?
Denis DiderotThis root [the potato], no matter how much you prepare it, is tasteless and floury. It cannot pass for an agreeable food, but it supplies a food sufficiently abundant and sufficiently healthy for men who ask only to sustain themselves. The potato is criticized with reason for being windy, but what matters windiness for the vigorous organisms of peasants and laborers?
Denis Diderot