Remember that politics, colonialism, imperialism and war also originate in the human brain.

Curiosity illuminates the correct path to anything in life. If you're not curious, that's when your brain is starting to die.

Your conscious life is an elaborate after-the-fact rationalization of things you really do for other reasons.

What the neurology tells us is that the self consists of many components, and the notion of one unitary self may well be an illusion.

A culture without mythology is not really a civilisation.

People often ask how I got interested in the brain; my rhetorical answer is: 'How can anyone NOT be interested in it?' Everything you call 'human nature' and consciousness arises from it.

With the arrival of humans, it has been said, the universe has suddenly become conscious of itself. This, truly, it the greatest mystery of all.

Great art allows you to transcend your mortal frame and to reach for the stars. I think great science does the same thing.

Our ability to perceive the world around us seems so effortless that we tend to take it for granted.

The adage that fact is stranger than fiction seems to be especially true for the workings of the brain.

A genius is somebody who seemingly just reaches out of nowhere.

Mistaking insolence for freedom has always been the hallmark of the slave.

The role of a philosopher is to create a better way for the future generations.

Worrying about worrying is a dangerous cycle to fall into. People who get caught up in worry when they try to force themselves to stop worrying may want to try a different strategy – acceptance.

It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.

Two kinds of ballplayers aren't worth a darn: One that never does what he's told, and one who does nothin' except what he's told.

The real drama of life is never centerstage. It's always in the wings.

Markets are the best way to allocate resources.

it was a sly trick of God's to give a man work to do - it kept him from asking questions that God couldn't answer.

Only the strongest are put through the fire,' Josiah said. 'And the forge creates things of great strength and beauty.' 'Then I shall be truly glorious by the time my tenure ends.

Hopefully I can inspire lots of people to learn about [Patti Smith], to read poetry or learn about William Blake or Arthur Rimbaud.