Instinct guides the animal better than the man. In the animal it is pure, in man it is led astray by his reason and intelligence.

First move me, astonish me, break my heart, let me tremble, weep, stare, be enraged-only then regale my eyes.

Whether God exists or does not exist, He has come to rank among the most sublime and useless truths.

Fanaticism is just one step away from barbarism.

Does anyone really know where they're going to?

No man has received from nature the right to give orders to others. Freedom is a gift from heaven, and every individual of the same species has the right to enjoy it as soon as he is in enjoyment of his reason.

I discuss with myself questions of politics, love, taste, or philosophy. I let my mind rove wantonly, give it free rein to followany idea, wise or mad that may present itself. My ideas are my harlots.