Our character is composed of our ideas and our feelings: and, since it has been proved that we give ourselves neither feelings nor ideas, our character does not depend on us. If it did depend on us, there is nobody who would not be perfect. If one does not reflect, one thinks oneself master of everything; but when one does reflect, one realizes that one is master of nothing

Nature has always had more force than education.

We are astonished at thought, but sensation is equally wonderful.

Is politics nothing other than the art of deliberately lying?

If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities.

It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape.

It is ourselves alone that make our days lucky or unlucky. Away, then, with a vain prejudice, the invention of the priesthood, which has been transmitted by our ancestors to an ignorant people.