“Four thousand volumes of metaphysics will not teach us what the soul is.”

“Always beware of turning religion into metaphysics: Morality is its essence.”

“If God did not exist, He would have to be invented. But all nature cries aloud that he does exist: that there is a supreme intelligence, an immense power, an admirable order, and everything teaches us our own dependence on it.”

“Sensual pleasure passes and vanishes, but the friendship between us, the mutual confidence, the delight of the heart, the enchantment of the soul, these things do not perish and can never be destroyed.”

“Verses which do not teach men new and moving truths do not deserve to be read.”

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”

“But for what purpose was the earth formed?" asked Candide. "To drive us mad," replied Martin.”