Everything can be borne except contempt.

History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up.

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

So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannize will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men.

Those who can be made to believe absurdities can be made to commit atrocities.

Every one goes astray, but the least imprudent are they who repent the soonest.

Monsieur l'abbé, I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.