But for what purpose was the earth formed?" asked Candide. "To drive us mad," replied Martin.

The human brain is a complex organ with the wonderful power of enabling man to find reasons for continuing to believe whatever it is that he wants to believe.

Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause.

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.

The prudent man does himself good; the virtuous one does it to other men.

There are two things for which animals are to be envied: they know nothing of future evils, or of what people say about them.

I have no morals, yet I am a very moral person