When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human temperament, we can say goodbye to all excellence in poetry, in painting, and in music.

Quote by Denis Diderot

Topics: Age Quotes, Funny Quotes

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little...

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little...

Genius is present in every age, but the men carrying it within them remain benumbed...

Genius is present in every age, but the men carrying it within them remain benumbed...

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...

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in...

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in...

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

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

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

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

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...

All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.

All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs.

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

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

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...

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.

The blood of Jesus Christ can cover a multitude of sins, it seems to me.

The blood of Jesus Christ can cover a multitude of sins, it seems to me.

The first step towards philosophy is incredulity.

The first step towards philosophy is incredulity.

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

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

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...