Denis Diderot Quotes

Denis Diderot was a celebrated editor, philosopher, and writer known for his work on the "Encyclopedia," a comprehensive collection of knowledge during the Enlightenment era.

Power acquired by violence is only a usurpation, and lasts only as long as the force of him who commands prevails over that of those who obey.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Man will never be free until the last king is stra... -Denis Diderot

Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.

Denis Diderot , Editor

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.

Denis Diderot , Editor
It is not human nature we should accuse but the de... -Denis Diderot

It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.

Denis Diderot , Editor
No man has received from nature the right to comma... -Denis Diderot

No man has received from nature the right to command his fellow human beings.

Denis Diderot , Editor
The best doctor is the one you run to and can't fi... -Denis Diderot

The best doctor is the one you run to and can't find.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Discovering the context

This quote humorously suggests that the best doctor is one who is not readily available or easily accessible. It playfully emphasizes the idea that the most skilled or sought-after doctors may be in high demand and difficult to reach, creating a humorous twist on the idea of seeking medical care.

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.

Denis Diderot , Editor

The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties they owe to each other. Divorces help to improve morals and to increase the population.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul... -Denis Diderot

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Discovering the context

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of intense and profound passions. It suggests that it is through wholehearted dedication and enthusiasm that individuals can achieve extraordinary feats or accomplishments. It implies that genuine passion is the driving force behind greatness.

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter.

Denis Diderot , Editor

There are things I can't force. I must adjust. There are times when the greatest change needed is a change of my viewpoint.

Denis Diderot , Editor
You have to make it happen.... -Denis Diderot

You have to make it happen.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric,... -Denis Diderot

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

Denis Diderot , Editor
Discovering the context

This quote asserts that poetry should contain elements of rawness, expansiveness, and untamed emotions or experiences, suggesting that poetry should not be confined by conventions or constraints but rather embrace the primal and unrestrained aspects of human expression.

Morals are in all countries the result of legislation and government; they are not African or Asian or European: they are good or bad.

Denis Diderot , Editor

When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human temperament, we can say goodbye to all excellence in poetry, in painting, and in music.

Denis Diderot , Editor
There is only one passion, the passion for happine... -Denis Diderot

There is only one passion, the passion for happiness.

Denis Diderot , Editor

There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.

Denis Diderot , Editor

Disturbances in society are never more fearful than when those who are stirring up the trouble can use the pretext of religion to mask their true designs.

Denis Diderot , Editor

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