Quotes from Voltaire

A long dispute means both parties are wrong.

[Optimism is] the obstinacy of maintaining that everything is best when it is worst.

Common sense is quite rare.

Historians are gossips who tease the dead.

Man is free at the instant he wants to be.

Do well and you will have no need for ancestors.

Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too.

All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.

Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.

It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.

God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.

The comfort of the rich depends upon an abundant supply of the poor.

Fools have a habit of believing that everything written by a famous author is admirable. For my part I read only to please myself and like only what suits my taste.

Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare The truth thou hast, that all may share Be bold, proclaim it everywhere: They only live who dare.

History is filled with the sound of silken slippers going downstairs and wooden shoes coming up.

He who is merely just is severe.

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

The ideal form of government is democracy tempered with assassination.

Whoever you are, behold your master,He is, or was, or has to be.

Shun idleness. It is a rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.

To hold a pen is to be at war.

Dare to think for yourself.

In this country [England] it is useful from time to time to kill one admiral in order to encourage the others.