Little minds try to defend everything at once, but sensible people look at the main point only; they parry the worst blows and stand a little hurt if thereby they avoid a greater one. If you try to hold everything, you hold nothing.
My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to do what they please, and I am to do what I please.
Theologians are all alike, of whatever religion or country they may be; their aim is always to wield despotic authority over men’s consciences; they therefore persecute all of us who have the temerity to tell the truth.
It is impossible to imitate Voltaire without being Voltaire.
A king is the first servant and first magistrate of the state.
Man is made for error; it enters his mind naturally, and he discovers a few truths only with the greatest effort.
Christianity – An old metaphysical romance, filled with marvels, contradictions, and absurdity, born in the ardent imagination of Orientals, has spread into our Europe. Enthusiasts have purveyed it, careerists have pretended to accept it, imbeciles have believed it.
Always presume that the enemy has dangerous designs and always be forehanded with the remedy. But do not let these calculations make your timid.
Books make up no small part of human happiness.
It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.
I love opposition that has convictions.
I think it better to keep a profound silence with regard to the Christian fables, which are canonized by their antiquity and the credulity of absurd and insipid people.
Artillery adds dignity, to what would otherwise be an ugly brawl.
God is always with the strongest battalions.
A German singer! I should as soon expect to get pleasure from the neighing of my horse.
Do not neglect the principles of foresight and know that often, puffed up with success, armies have lost the fruit of their heroism through a feeling of false security.
I have no fault to find with those who teach geometry. That science is the only one which has not produced sects; it is founded on analysis and on synthesis and on the calculus; it does not occupy itself with the probable truth; moreover it has the same method in every country.
One should never despair too soon.
If I wished to punish a province, I would have it governed by philosophers.
Though I may not be a king in my future life, so much the better: I shall nevertheless live an active life and, on top of it, earn less ingratitude.
It has been said by a certain general, that the first object in the establishment of an army ought to be making provision for the belly, that being the basis and foundation of all operations.