“What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly - that is the first law of nature.”

“Love truth, but pardon error.”

“If God created us in his own image, we have more than reciprocated."(Notebooks)”

“Men must have somewhat altered the course of nature; for they were not born wolves, yet they have become wolves. God did not give them twenty-four-pounders or bayonets, yet they have made themselves bayonets and guns to destroy each other. In the same category I place not only bankruptcies, but the law which carries off the bankrupts’ effects, so as to defraud their creditors.”

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

“What we find in books is like the fire in our hearths. We fetch it from our neighbors, we kindle it at home, we communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all.”

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