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Attributed quotes — Voltaire

1694–1778 France

← All quotes by Voltaire

64 quotes

Illusion is the first of all pleasures.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

In those countries where the morals are the most dissolute, the language is the most severe; as if they would replace on the lips what has deserted the heart.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Why do we dream in our sleep if we have no soul? and, if we have one, how is it that dreams are so incoherent and extravagant?

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

God created woman only to tame man.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

O unfortunates who sin without pleasure! in your errors be more reasonable ; be, at least, fortunate sinners. Since you must be damned, be damned for amiable faults.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Paradise was made for tender hearts; hell, for loveless hearts.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Alas! how can we always resist? The devil tempts us, and the flesh is weak.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

I do not know in the whole history of the world a hero, a worthy man, a prophet, a true Christian, who has not been the victim of the jealous, of a scamp, or of a sinister spirit.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Poetry is the music of the soul.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Prejudice is the reason of fools.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Whoever is suspicious incites treason.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Labor is often the father of pleasure.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Moderation is the pleasure of the wise.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

None have lived without shedding tears.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

The reasonable worship of a just God who punishes and rewards, would undoubtedly contribute to the happiness of men; but when that salutary knowledge of a just God is disfigured by absurd lies and dangerous superstitions, then the remedy turns to poison.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Virtue: a word easy to pronounce, difficult to understand.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

If as much care were taken to perpetuate a race of fine men as is done to prevent the mixture of ignoble blood in horses and dogs, the genealogy of every one would be written on his face and displayed in his manners.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Philosophers and men of letters have done more for mankind than Orpheus, Hercules, or Theseus; for it is more meritorious and more difficult to wean men from their prejudices than to civilize the barbarian : It is harder to correct than to instruct.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

The Devil and Love are but one.

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

O Truth! pure and sacred virgin, when wilt thou be worthily revered? O Goddess who instructs us, why didst thou put thy palace in a well? When will our learned writers, alike free from bitterness and from flattery, faithfully teach us life?

Attributed A Thousand Flashes of French Wit, Wisdom, and Wickedness (1902)

Attribution

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