The masses have never thirsted after truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.

The influence of the leaders is due in very small measure to the arguments they employ, but in a large degree to their prestige. The best proof of this is that, should they by any circumstance lose their prestige, their influence disappears.

Crowds are influenced mainly by images produced by the judicious employment of words and formulas

The precise moment at which a great belief is doomed is easily recognisable; it is the moment when its value begins to be called in question.

One of the most constant characteristics of beliefs is their intolerance. The stronger the belief, the greater its intolerance. Men dominated by a certitude cannot tolerate those who do not accept it.

If atheism spread, it would become a religion as intolerable as the ancient ones.

The beginning of a revolution is in reality the end of a belief.