Religious representations are collective representations which express collective realities.

It is science, and not religion, which has taught men that things are complex and difficult to understand.

Religious phenomena are naturally arranged in two fundamental categories: beliefs and rites. The first are states of opinion, and consist in representations; the second are determined modes of action.

There is a collective as well as an individual humor inclining peoples to sadness or cheerfulness, making them see things in bright or somber lights. In fact, only society can pass a collective opinion on the value of human life; for this the individual is incompetent.

By definition, sacred beings are separated beings. That which characterizes them is that there is a break of continuity between them and the profane beings.

To pursue a goal which is by definition unattainable is to condemn oneself to a state of perpetual unhappiness.