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

From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.

From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.

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...

Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed,...

Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed,...

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

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

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...

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

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

There is no kind of harassment that a man may not inflict on a woman...

There is no kind of harassment that a man may not inflict on a woman...

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

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...

You have to make it happen.

You have to make it happen.

If you want me to believe in God, you must make me touch him.

If you want me to believe in God, you must make me touch him.

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...

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy

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.

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...

Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the...

Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the...

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.

Every man has his dignity. I'm willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion...

Every man has his dignity. I'm willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion...

Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We...

Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We...