There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.
From Denis Diderot
Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.
Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.
The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counter authority to the law.
Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed, has faith and is pure; and if he does not hurt any living being, he is a holy man.
From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.
Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.
The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.
It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not believe in God is not important at all.
Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs.
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