The atheists are for the most part imprudent and misguided scholars who reason badly who, not being able to understand the Creation, the origin of evil, and other difficulties, have recourse to the hypothesis the eternity of things and of inevitability.

Even in those cities which seem to enjoy the blessings of peace, and where the arts florish, the inhabitants are devoured by envy, cares and anxieties, which are greater plagues than any expirienced in a town when it is under siege.

Now, now my good man, this is no time to be making enemies." (Voltaire on his deathbed in response to a priest asking him that he renounce Satan.)

Religion may be purified. This great work was begun two hundred years ago: but men can only bear light to come in upon them by degrees.

Men will commit atrocities as long as they believe absurdities.

He who thinks himself wise, O heavens! is a great fool.

The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered by an occasional assassination.