Genius is present in every age, but the men carrying it within them remain benumbed unless extraordinary events occur to heat up and melt the mass so that it flows forth. – Denis Diderot
In order to shake a hypothesis, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more than push it as far as it will go. – Denis Diderot
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers. – Denis Diderot
People praise virtue, but they hate it, they run away from it. It freezes you to death, and in this world you’ve got to keep your feet warm. – Denis Diderot
Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it. – 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. – Denis Diderot
To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble aim is that of the zealot who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster! – 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. – Denis Diderot
Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those who obey. – Denis Diderot
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
Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African or Asian or European: they are good or bad. – 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. – Denis Diderot
The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action. – Denis Diderot
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
Every man has his dignity. I’m willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion and not when someone else tells me to. – Denis Diderot
The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counter authority to the law. – Denis Diderot
Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one’s innocence with the loss of one’s prejudices. – Denis Diderot
It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire. – Denis Diderot
Although a man may wear fine clothing, if he lives peacefully; and is good, self-possessed, has faith and is pure; and if he does not hurt any living being, he is a holy man. – Denis Diderot