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

History is the recital of facts represented as true. Fable, on the other hand, is the recital of facts represented as fiction.

What can you say to a man who tells you he prefers obeying God rather than men, and that as a result he's certain he'll go to heaven if he cuts your throat?

All events are linked together in the best of possible worlds; after all, if you had not been driven from a fine castle by being kicked in the backside for love of Miss Cunegonde, if you hadn't been sent before the Inquisition, if you hadn't traveled across America on foot, if you hadn't given a good sword thrust to the baron, if you hadn't lost all your sheep from the good land of Eldorado, you wouldn't be sitting here eating candied citron and pistachios. - That is very well put, said Candide, but we must cultivate our garden.

He who cannot shine by thought, seeks to bring himself into notice by a witticism.

True power and true politeness are above vanity.

All is but illusion and disaster.