Denis Diderot
Denis Diderot
Denis Diderotʁo]; 5 October 1713 – 31 July 1784) was a French philosopher, art critic, and writer. He was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment and is best known for serving as co-founder, chief editor, and contributor to the Encyclopédie along with Jean le Rond d'Alembert...
ProfessionPhilosopher
Date of Birth5 October 1713
people religion use
The most dangerous madmen are those created by religion, and... people whose aim is to disrupt society always know how to make good use of them on occasion.
christian holy-prophet religion
There is not a Musselman[Muslim] alive who would not imagine that he was performing an action pleasing to God and his Holy Prophet by exterminating every Christian on earth, while the Christians are scarcely more tolerant on their side.
wall views religion
Mankind have banned the Divinity from their presence; they have relegated him to a sanctuary; the walls of the temple restrict his view; he does not exist outside of it.
religion different revelations
Only a very bad theologian would confuse the certainty that follows revelation with the truths that are revealed. They are entirely different things.
design religion use
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.
loss religion prejudice
Bad company is as instructive as licentiousness. One makes up for the loss of one's innocence with the loss of one's prejudices.
religion firsts steps
A thing is not proved just because no one has ever questioned it. What has never been gone into impartially has never been properly gone into. Hence scepticism is the first step toward truth. It must be applied generally, because it is the touchstone.
earth schools temples theology
See this egg. It is with this that all the schools of theology and all the temples of the earth are to be overturned.
disorder gaiety genius ordinary quality
Gaiety - a quality of ordinary men. Genius always presupposes some disorder in the machine.
force quotes sentences sharp truth
Sentences are like sharp nails, which force truth upon our memories.
duty speak
To do his duty somehow, always to speak well of the Prior, and let the world go its own way.
people lovers sexuality
The best mannered people make the most absurd lovers.
capable claims conclusion draw matter order organized prefer takes therefore wants
Descartes said: "I think, therefore I am." Helvetius wants to say: "I feel, therefore I want to feel pleasantly." I prefer Hobbes who claims that in order to draw a conclusion which takes us somewhere, we must say, "I feel, I think, I judge; therefore, a part of organized matter like me is capable of feeling, thinking, and judging.
best doctor run
The best doctor is the one you run for and can't find