This self-love is the instrument of our preservation; it resembles the provision for the perpetuity of mankind: it is necessary, it is dear to us, it gives us pleasure, and we must conceal it.

Quote by Voltaire

Topics: Voltaire Quotes

How inexpressible is the meanness of being a hypocrite! how horrible is it to be...

How inexpressible is the meanness of being a hypocrite! how horrible is it to be...

Everything's fine today, that is our illusion.

Everything's fine today, that is our illusion.

We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.

We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.

The ideal form of government is democracy tempered with assassination.

The ideal form of government is democracy tempered with assassination.

The great consolation in life is to say what one thinks.

The great consolation in life is to say what one thinks.

Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of...

Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of...

All men have equal rights to liberty, to their property, and to the protection of...

All men have equal rights to liberty, to their property, and to the protection of...

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large...

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large...

When its a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.

When its a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.

Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed from one another. The...

Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed from one another. The...

Inspiration: A peculiar effect of divine flatulence emitted by the Holy Spirit which hisses into...

Inspiration: A peculiar effect of divine flatulence emitted by the Holy Spirit which hisses into...

The ladder of success must be set upon something solid before you can start to...

The ladder of success must be set upon something solid before you can start to...

Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.

Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord,...

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord,...

Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes.

Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes.

Use do not abuse, neither abstinence nor excess ever renders man happy.

Use do not abuse, neither abstinence nor excess ever renders man happy.

Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now...

Of all religions, the Christian should of course inspire the most tolerance, but until now...

To believe in God is impossible not to believe in Him is absurd.

To believe in God is impossible not to believe in Him is absurd.

I just want to lobby for God.

I just want to lobby for God.

God forbid that any book should be banned. The practice is as indefensible as infanticide.

God forbid that any book should be banned. The practice is as indefensible as infanticide.