Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

— Denis Diderot

Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things.

— Denis Diderot

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.

— Denis Diderot

People stop thinking when they cease to read.

— Denis Diderot

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

— Denis Diderot

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.

— Denis Diderot

Skepticism is the first step towards truth.

— Denis Diderot

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

— Denis Diderot

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

— Denis Diderot

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.

— Denis Diderot