To a toad what is beauty? A female with two lovely pop-eyes, a wide mouth, yellow belly, and green spotted back.

The only reward to be expected from literature is contempt if one fails and hatred if one succeeds.

It is with books as with men: a very small number play a great part.

To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered.

If you wish to converse with me, define your terms.

The discovery of what is true and the practice of that which is good are the two most important aims of philosophy.

Every sensible man, every honorable man, must hold the Christian sect in horror." "Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." "Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense." "If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities.