The true character of liberty is independence, maintained by force.

The policy of man consists, at first, in endeavoring to arrive at a state equal to that of animals, whom nature has furnished with food, clothing, and shelter.

Thought depends absolutely on the stomach, but in spite of that, those who have the best stomachs are not the best thinkers.

All the persecutors declare against each other mortal war, while the philosopher, oppressed by them all, contents himself with pitying them.

Change everything except your loves.

Optimism," said Cacambo, "What is that?" "Alas!" replied Candide, "It is the obstinacy of maintaining that everything is best when it is worst.

The institution of religion exists only to keep mankind in order, and to make men merit the goodness of God by their virtue. Everything in a religion which does not tend towards this goal must be considered foreign or dangerous.