All, all is theft, all is unceasing and rigorous competition in nature; the desire to make off with the substance of others is the foremost - the most legitimate - passion nature has bred into us and, without doubt, the most agreeable one.

My manner of thinking, so you say, cannot be approved. Do you suppose I care? A poor fool indeed is he who adopts a manner of thinking for others!

One must do violence to the object of one's desire; when it surrenders, the pleasure is greater.

There is no God, Nature sufficeth unto herself; in no wise hath she need of an author.

Let us give ourselves indiscriminately to everything our passions suggest, and we will always be happy...Conscience is not the voice of Nature but only the voice of prejudice.

Religions are the cradles of despotism.

Prejudice is the sole author of infamies: how many acts are so qualified by an opinion forged out of naught but prejudice!