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Quotes from Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws — Denis Diderot

1713–1784 France

← All quotes by Denis Diderot

8 quotes

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

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

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.

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

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

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counterauthority to the law.

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

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

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

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.

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

In any country where talent and virtue produce no advancement, money will be the national god. Its inhabitants will either have to possess money or make others believe that they do. Wealth will be the highest virtue, poverty the greatest vice.

Observations on the Drawing Up of Laws (1774)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Denis Diderot (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.