Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the force of him who commands prevails over that of those who obey.

Quote by Denis Diderot

Topics: Denis Diderot Quotes

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...

Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African...

Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African...

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

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

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths...

Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths...

There is no good father who would want to resemble our Heavenly Father.

There is no good father who would want to resemble our Heavenly Father.

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those...

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those...

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...

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...

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.

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.

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

I can be expected to look for truth but not to find it

I can be expected to look for truth but not to find it

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One...

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One...

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...

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those...

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those...

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...

When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign,...

When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign,...

Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise

Inventive genius requires pleasurable mental activity as a condition for its vigorous exercise

Genius is of no country; her pure ray / Spreads all abroad, as general as...

Genius is of no country; her pure ray / Spreads all abroad, as general as...

There is only one nature - the division into science and engineering is a human...

There is only one nature - the division into science and engineering is a human...

I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that...

I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that...