I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis, etc. It does not behoove us, who were only savages and barbarians when these Indians and Chinese peoples were civilized and learned, to dispute their antiquity.

This self-love is the instrument of our preservation; it resembles the provision for the perpetuity of mankind: it is necessary, it is dear to us, it gives us pleasure, and we must conceal it.

Our priests are not what a silly populace supposes; all their learning consists in our credulity.

History is the recital of facts represented as true. Fable, on the other hand, is the recital of facts represented as fiction.

The punishment of criminals should be of use; when a man is hanged he is good for nothing.

All succeeds with people who are sweet and cheerful.

History is nothing but a pack of tricks that we play upon the dead.