One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One forgets that they are also the source of all his pleasures.

Quote by Denis Diderot

Topics: Denis Diderot Quotes

Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.

Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.

People praise virtue, but they hate it, they run away from it. It freezes you...

People praise virtue, but they hate it, they run away from it. It freezes you...

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human...

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human...

Gratitude is a burden, and every burden is made to be shaken off

Gratitude is a burden, and every burden is made to be shaken off

If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is...

If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is...

Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one's...

Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one's...

We are far more liable to catch the vices than the virtues of our associates.

We are far more liable to catch the vices than the virtues of our associates.

The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties...

The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties...

There are things I can't force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest...

There are things I can't force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest...

Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.

Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other.

Gaiety is a quality of ordinary men. Genius always presupposes some disorder in the machine.

Gaiety is a quality of ordinary men. Genius always presupposes some disorder in the machine.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the...

Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the...

Good music is very close to primitive language.

Good music is very close to primitive language.

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge. . . observation of nature, reflection, and...

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge. . . observation of nature, reflection, and...

It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.

It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.

The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius...

The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius...

If atheism is to be used to express the state of mind in which God...

If atheism is to be used to express the state of mind in which God...

Atheism is a disease of the soul, before it becomes an error of the understanding

Atheism is a disease of the soul, before it becomes an error of the understanding

My atheism, like that of Spinoza, is true piety towards the universe and denies only...

My atheism, like that of Spinoza, is true piety towards the universe and denies only...