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The first step towards philosophy is incredulity.

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Denis Diderot

Denis Diderot

Profession: Philosopher
Nationality: French


The first step towards philosophy is incredulity. Denis Diderot

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His hands would plait the priest's guts, if he had no rope, to strangle kings.

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.

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

There are things I can't force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest change needed is a change of my viewpoint.

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.

The infant runs toward it with its eyes closed, the adult is stationary, the old man approaches it with his back turned.

No man has received from nature the right to command his fellow human beings.

Every man has his dignity. I'm willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion and not when someone else tells me to.

What has not been examined impartially has not been well examined. Skepticism is therefore the first step toward truth.

It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.

There is no kind of harassment that a man may not inflict on a woman with impunity in civilized societies.

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.

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!

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