1,052 Quotes by Voltaire

Before receiving your instruction, I must tell you what happened to me one day. I had just had a closet built at the end of my garden. I heard a mole arguing with a cockchafer; 'Here's a fine structure,' said the mole, 'it must have been a very powerful mole who did this work.' 'You're joking,' said the cockchafer; 'it's a cockchafer full of genius who is the architect of this building.' From that moment I resolved never to argue.

There are two things for which animals are to be envied: they know nothing of future evils, or of what people say about them.

Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.

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

We cannot wish for that we know not.

I read these words which are the sum of all moral philosophy, and which cut short all the disputes of the casuists: When in doubt if an action is good or bad, refrain.

What is history? The lie that everyone agrees on...

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.

Democracy is just a filler for textbooks! Do you actually believe that public opinion influences the government?