It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it. Denis Diderot on nature
Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We rarely see these three means combined and for this reason, creative geniuses are not common. Denis Diderot on nature
Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it. Denis Diderot on patriotism
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. Denis Diderot on poetry
Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild. Denis Diderot on poetry
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. Denis Diderot on power
Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs. Denis Diderot on religion
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. Denis Diderot on respect
When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a man's name live for thousands of years. Denis Diderot on science
Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs. Denis Diderot on society
Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it. Denis Diderot on society
We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter. Denis Diderot on truth
Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory. Denis Diderot on truth
The first step towards philosophy is incredulity. Denis Diderot on philosophy
If you want me to believe in God, you must make me touch him. Denis Diderot on religion