Denis Diderot quotes - page 2

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild. (Denis Diderot)
Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it. View quote
Denis Diderot
The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties they owe to each other. Divorces help to improve morals and to increase the population. View quote
Denis Diderot
The blood of Jesus Christ can cover a multitude of sins, it seems to me. View quote
Denis Diderot
There is no kind of harassment that a man may not inflict on a woman with impunity in civilized societies. View quote
Denis Diderot
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. View quote
Denis Diderot
Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things. View quote
Denis Diderot
The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and wicked men alike are mingled. View quote
Denis Diderot
The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action. View quote
Denis Diderot
Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those who obey. View quote
Denis Diderot
Evil always turns up in this world through some genius or other. (Denis Diderot)
The infant runs toward it with its eyes closed, the adult is stationary, the old man approaches it with his back turned. View quote
Denis Diderot
We are all instruments endowed with feeling and memory. Our senses are so many strings that are struck by surrounding objects and that also frequently strike themselves. View quote
Denis Diderot
Good music is very close to primitive language. View quote
Denis Diderot
All abstract sciences are nothing but the study of relations between signs. View quote
Denis Diderot
And his hands would plait the priest's entrails, For want of a rope, to strangle kings. View quote
Denis Diderot
Every man has his dignity. I'm willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion and not when someone else tells me to. View quote
Denis Diderot
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. View quote
Denis Diderot
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. View quote
Denis Diderot
If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is in wickedness. You spit on a petty thief, but you can't deny a kind of respect for the great criminal. View quote
Denis Diderot
Happiest are the people who give most happiness to others. (Denis Diderot)
Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories. View quote
Denis Diderot
Gaiety is a quality of ordinary men. Genius always presupposes some disorder in the machine. View quote
Denis Diderot
The following general definition of an animal a system of different organic molecules that have combined with one another, under the impulsion of a sensation similar to an obtuse and muffled sense of touch given to them by the creator of matter as a whole, until each one of them has found the most suitable position for its shape and comfort. View quote
Denis Diderot
The most dangerous madmen are those created by religion, and people whose aim is to disrupt society always know how to make good use of them on occasion. View quote
Denis Diderot