An act cannot be defined by the end sought by the actor, for an identical system of behaviour may be adjustable to too many different ends without altering its nature.

Social life comes from a double source, the likeness of consciences and the division of social labour.

Man is only a moral being because he lives in society, since morality consists in solidarity with the group, and varies according to that solidarity. Cause all social life to vanish, and moral life would vanish at the same time, having no object to cling to.

By definition, sacred beings are separated beings. That which characterizes them is that there is a break of continuity between them and the profane beings.

We do not condemn it because it is a crime, but it is a crime because we condemn it.

There is no sociology worthy of the name which does not possess a historical character.

One cannot long remain so absorbed in contemplation of emptiness without being increasingly attracted to it. In vain one bestows on it the name of infinity; this does not change its nature. When one feels such pleasure in non-existence, one's inclination can be completely satisfied only by completely ceasing to exist.