Superstition is more injurious to God than atheism. - Denis Diderot

No matter how much a man may study, reflect and meditate on all the books in the world, he is nothing more than a minor scribe unless he has read the great book.

I discuss with myself questions of politics, love, taste, or philosophy. I let my mind rove wantonly, give it free rein to follow any idea, wise or mad that may present itself. … My ideas are my harlots.

no courage in the world can hold out in the face of neglect, solitude and persecution.