I know of no great men except those who have rendered great service to the human race.

God created woman to tame man.

Men must have somewhat altered the course of nature; for they were not born wolves, yet they have become wolves. God did not give them twenty-four-pounders or bayonets, yet they have made themselves bayonets and guns to destroy each other. In the same category I place not only bankruptcies, but the law which carries off the bankrupts’ effects, so as to defraud their creditors.

Let us read, and let us dance — these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.

The true triumph of reason is that it enables us to get along with those who do not possess it.

If the bookseller happens to desire a privilege for his merchandise, whether he is selling Rabelais or the Fathers of the Church, the magistrate grants the privilege without answering for the contents of the book. - Voltaire (Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire

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