Denis Diderot Quotes

Skepticism. The first step toward truth.

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.

To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble aim is that of the zealot who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster!

Our observation of nature must be diligent, our reflection profound, and our experiments exact. We rarely see these three means combined; and for this reason, creative geniuses are not common.

Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.

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

Every man has his dignity. I’m willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion and not when someone else tells me to.

The first step towards philosophy is incredulity.

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order. Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

Please note that all human intercourse consists merely of making noises and doing things.