We are all instruments endowed with feeling and memory. Our senses are so many strings that are struck by surrounding objects and that also frequently strike themselves. – Denis Diderot
We swallow with one gulp the lie that flatters us, and drink drop by drop the truth which is bitter to us. – Denis Diderot
When science, art, literature, and philosophy are simply the manifestation of personality they are on a level where glorious and dazzling achievements are possible, which can make a mans name live for thousands of years. – Denis Diderot
The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action. – Denis Diderot
Taste is only to be educated by contemplation, not of the tolerably good but of the truly excellent. I therefore show you only the best works; and when you are grounded in these, you will have a standard for the rest, which you will know how to value, without overrating them. – Johann von Goethe