Moses Mendelssohn Quotes

9 Sourced Quotes

Revealed religion is one thing, revealed legislation, another.

Moses Mendelssohn
We consider the beauty of nature and art with pleasure and satisfaction, without the slightest movement of desire. Instead, it appears to be a particular mark of beauty that it is considered with tranquil satisfaction; that it pleases if we also do not possess it and we are still far removed from demanding to possess it

Moses Mendelssohn
To put it in one word: I believe that Judaism knows nothing of revealed religion, in the sense in which this is understood by Christians. The Israelites possess divine legislation.

Moses Mendelssohn
The analysis of concepts is for the understanding nothing more than what the magnifying glass is for sight

Moses Mendelssohn
Judaism boasts of no exclusive revelation of eternal truths that are indispensable to salvation, of no revealed religion in the sense in which that term is usually understood.

Moses Mendelssohn
The state has physical power and uses it when necessary; the power of religion is love and beneficence

Moses Mendelssohn
Socrates' fame spread all over Greece, and the most respected and educated men from all around came to him, in order to enjoy his friendly company and instruction.

Moses Mendelssohn
Reader! To whatever visible church, synagogue, or mosque you may belong! See if you do not find more true religion among the host of the excommunicated than among the far greater host who excommunicated them.

Moses Mendelssohn
The state dictates and coerces; religion teaches and persuades. The state enacts laws; religion gives commandments. The state is armed with physical force and makes use of it if need be; the force of religion is love and benevolence.

Moses Mendelssohn