Voltaire Quotes

“The composition of a tragedy requires testicles.”

“Prejudices are what rule the vulgar crowd.”

“Such then is the human condition, that to wish greatness for one's country is to wish harm to one's neighbors.”

“Originality is nothing but judicious plagiarism.”

“It is not enough to be exceptionally mad, licentious and fanatical in order to win a great reputation; it is still necessary to arrive on the scene at the right time.”

“What a pessimist you are!" exclaimed Candide. "That is because I know what life is," said Martin.”

“The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered by an occasional assassination.”

“Once the people begin to reason, all is lost”

“Slavery is also as ancient as war, and war as human nature.”

“Minds differ still more than faces.”

“Virtuous men alone possess friends.”

“If you are attacked as regards your style, never reply; it is for your work alone to make answer.”

“Common sense is not so common.”

“It is the poverty connected with our species which subordinates one man to another. It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence.”

“To a toad what is beauty? A female with two lovely pop-eyes, a wide mouth, yellow belly, and green spotted back.”

“I have lived eighty years of life and know nothing for it, but to be resigned and tell myself that flies are born to be eaten by spiders and man to be devoured by sorrow.”

“Doubt is not a very agreeable status, but certainty is a ridiculous one.”

“The most amazing and effective inventions are not those which do most honour to the human genius.”

“Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said.”

“It is with books as with men: a very small number play a great part.”

“The ancient Romans built their greatest masterpieces of architecture, their amphitheaters, for wild beasts to fight in.”

“I have wanted to kill myself a million times,but somehow I am still in love with life.”

“Present opportunities are not to be neglected; they rarely visit us twice.”

“Beware of the words "internal security," for they are the eternal cry of the oppressor.”

“Come! you presence will either give me life or kill me with pleasure.”