One must be oneself very little of a philosopher not to feel that the finest privilege of our reason consists in not believing in anything by the impulsion of a blind and mechanical instinct, and that it is to dishonour reason to put it in bonds as the Chaldeans did. Man is born to think for himself.
Denis DiderotWandering in a vast forest at night, I have only a faint light to guide me. A stranger appears and says to me: 'My friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find your way more clearly.' This stranger is a theologian.
Denis DiderotDo you see this egg? With this you can topple every theological theory, every church or temple in the world.
Denis DiderotOh! how near are genius and madness! Men imprison them and chain them, or raise statues to them.
Denis Diderot