7 Denis Diderot Quotes on Authority

Denis Diderot quotes on authority

7. Impenetrable in their dissimulation, cruel in their vengeance, tenacious in their purposes, unscrupulous as to their methods, animated by profound and hidden hatred for the tyranny of man - it is as though there exists among them an ever-present conspiracy toward domination, a sort of alliance like that subsisting among the priests of every country.

8. The arbitrary rule of a just and enlightened prince is always bad. His virtues are the most dangerous and the surest form of seduction: they lull a people imperceptibly into the habit of loving, respecting, and serving his successor, whoever that successor may be, no matter how wicked or stupid.

12. Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

16. Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those who obey.

17. Et ses mains ourdiraient les entrailles du pretre, Au defaut d'un cordon pour etrangler les rois.

40. 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.

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