God's only excuse is that he does not exist.

...one of the traits of genius is not to drag its thought through the rut worn by vulgar minds.

If I meet the Christian Deity, I am lost: He is a tyrant and as such, is full of ideas of vengeance; His Bible speaks of nothing but fearful punishments. I never loved Him! I could never even believe that anyone did love Him sincerely. He is devoid of pity.... He will punish me in some abominable manner.

I think being condemned to death is the only real distinction," said Mathilde. "It is the only thing which cannot be bought.

Beauty is nothing but a promise of happiness.

Women are always eagerly on the lookout for any emotion.

The first qualification for a historian is to have no ability to invent.