I have but one passion: to enlighten those who have been kept in the dark, in the name of humanity which has suffered so much and is entitled to happiness. My fiery protest is simply the cry of my very soul.

Governments are suspicious of literature because it is a force that eludes them.

The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous; it is indissolubly connected with the fate of men.

Let us eat, drink and satisfy our coarse appetites, but let us keep our souls sacred and apart.

She was cold by nature, self-love predominating over passion; rather than being virtuous, she preferred to have her pleasures all to herself.

Did science promise happiness? I do not believe it. It promised truth, and the question is to know if we will ever make happiness with truth.

It is not I who am strong, it is reason, it is truth.