Are the worst enemies of society those who attack it or those who do not even give themselves the trouble of defending it?

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 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.

The role of the scholar is to destroy chimeras, that of the statesman is to make use of them.

A crowd is not merely impulsive and mobile. Like a savage, it is not prepared to admit that anything can come between its desire and the realisation of its desire.

Are the worst enemies of society those who attack it or those who do not even give themselves the trouble of defending it?

In crowds it is stupidity and not mother wit that is accumulated.