If it were considered desirable to destroy a human being, the only thing necessary would be to give his work a character of uselessness

Civilization merely develops man's capacity for a greater variety of sensations, and ... absolutely nothing else.

I am told that the proximity of punishment arouses real repentance in the criminal and sometimes awakens a feeling of genuine remorse in the most hardened heart; I am told this is due to fear.

If there were no God, he would have to be invented.

Since I wasn't consulted at the time of the creation of the world, I reserve for myself the right to have my own opinion about it.

I am a ridiculous man. They call me a madman now. That would be a distinct rise in my social position were it not that they still regard me as being as ridiculous as ever.

If the person laughs well, they are a good person.