Voltaire

Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.

If God created us in his own image, we have more than reciprocated.")

History should be written as philosophy.

It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind.

Better is the enemy of good.

All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women.

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

Perfection is attained by slow degrees it requires the hand of time.

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.

Wherever there is a settled society, religion is necessary; the laws cover manifest crimes, and religion covers secret crimes.

When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.

The truths of religion are never so well understood as by those who have lost the power of reason.

Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy the mad daughter of a wise mother. These daughters have too long dominated the earth.

The ancient Romans built their greatest masterpieces of architecture, their amphitheaters, for wild beasts to fight in.

Common sense is not so common.

The safest course is to do nothing against one's conscience. With this secret, we can enjoy life and have no fear from death.