Virtue is praised but hated. People run away from it for it is ice-cold and in this world you must keep your feet warm.

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

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

There is no moral precept that does not have something inconvenient about it.

The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counter authority to the law.

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

The pit of a theatre is the one place where the tears of virtuous and wicked men alike are mingled.

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

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.

We are far more liable to catch the vices than the virtues of our associates.