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

The best mannered people make the most absurd lovers.

The best mannered people make the most absurd lovers.

It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not...

It is very important not to mistake hemlock for parsley, but to believe or not...

Women swallow at one mouthful the lie that flatters, and drink drop by drop the...

Women swallow at one mouthful the lie that flatters, and drink drop by drop the...

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...

When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality they are on...

When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality they are on...

My ideas are my whores.

My ideas are my whores.

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...

From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.

From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.

The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and...

The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and...

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...

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is...

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is...

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...

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that...

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that...

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

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

To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble...

To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble...

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

Good music is very close to primitive language.

Good music is very close to primitive language.

Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories.

Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories.

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.