Quotes by Denis Diderot

About Denis Diderot:

Denis Diderot is best known for serving as co-founder, chief editor, and contributor to the Encyclopédie along with Jean le Rond d'Alembert.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.

Denis Diderot

Genius is present in every age, but the men carrying it within them remain benumbed unless extraordinary events occur to heat up and melt the mass so that it flows forth.

Denis Diderot

When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a man's name live for thousands of years.

Denis Diderot

One declaims endlessly against the passions; one imputes all of man's suffering to them. One forgets that they are also the source of all his pleasures.

Denis Diderot

Scepticism is the first step towards truth.

Denis Diderot

I picture the vast realm of the sciences as an immense landscape scattered with patches of dark and light. The goal towards which we must work is either to extend the boundaries of the patches of light, or to increase their number. One of these tasks...

Denis Diderot

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

Denis Diderot

The best mannered people make the most absurd lovers.

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

Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.

Denis Diderot

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

Denis Diderot

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

Denis Diderot

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

Denis Diderot

People praise virtue, but they hate it, they run away from it. It freezes you to death, and in this world you've got to keep your feet warm.

Denis Diderot

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

Denis Diderot

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

Denis Diderot

If there is one realm in which it is essential to be sublime, it is in wickedness. You spit on a petty thief, but you can't deny a kind of respect for the great criminal.

Denis Diderot

There is no good father who would want to resemble our Heavenly Father.

Denis Diderot

Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African or Asian or European: they are good or bad.

Denis Diderot

Good music is very close to primitive language.

Denis Diderot

Author Bio

  • NameDenis Diderot
  • DescriptionFrench Enlightenment philosopher and encyclopædist
  • BornOctober 5, 1713
  • DiedJuly 31, 1784
  • CountryKingdom Of France
  • ProfessionPhilosopher; Novelist; Essayist; Encyclopédistes; Writer; Art Critic