Negation is the mind's first freedom, yet a negative habit is fruitful only so long as we exert ourselves to overcome it, adapt it to our needs; once acquired it can imprison us.

Tyranny destroys or strengthens the individual; freedom enervates him, until he becomes no more than a puppet. Man has more chances of saving himself by hell than by paradise.

What is pity but the vice of kindness.

A civilization is destroyed only when its gods are destroyed.

Good health is the best weapon against religion. Healthy bodies and healthy minds have never been shaken by religious fears.

It has been a long time since philosophers have read men's souls. It is not their task, we are told. Perhaps. But we must not be surprised if they no longer matter much to us.

Sometimes I wish I were a cannibal – less for the pleasure of eating someone than for the pleasure of vomiting him.