French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, satirist, and historian
Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy the mad daughter of a wise mother. These daughters have too long dominated the earth.
When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.
Wherever there is a settled society, religion is necessary; the laws cover manifest crimes, and religion covers secret crimes.
The truths of religion are never so well understood as by those who have lost the power of reason.
Religion was instituted to make us happy in this life and in the other. What must we do to be happy in the life to come? Be just.
Such is the feebleness of humanity, such is its perversity, that doubtless it is better for it to be subject to all possible superstitions, as long as they are not murderous, than to live without religion.
Tears are the silent language of grief.
Friendship is the marriage of the soul, and this marriage is liable to divorce.
Divorce is probably of nearly the same date as marriage. I believe, however, that marriage is some weeks the more ancient.
The ear is the avenue to the heart.