Denis Diderot Quotes

Beware of the man who talks about putting things in order. Putting things in order always means putting things under his control.

Concise phrases are like sharp nails that drive the truth into our memory.

Mistakes pass, only the truth remains.

There is no legitimate sovereign other than the nation; there can be no legitimate legislator other than the people.

He who can compel us to good could also compel us to evil. A first just, energetic, and enlightened despot is a misfortune; a second just, energetic, and enlightened despot is a greater misfortune; a third, resembling the first two, by causing the people to forget their privileges, would consummate their slavery.

The arbitrary government of a prince, even if it is just and enlightened, is always bad.

He who needs a protocol will never get far; geniuses read little, practice a lot, and make themselves.

We gulp down the lie that flatters us in one sip, and we drink drop by drop the truth that embitters us.