The doctrine of original sin claims that all men sinned in Adam; but whether they did or whether it is merely a fact that all men sin does not basically affect the problem of suffering.

It does not follow that the meaning must be given from above; that life and suffering must come neatly labeled; that nothing is worth while if the world is not governed by a purpose.

Man stands alone in the universe, responsible for his condition, likely to remain in a lowly state, but free to reach above the stars.

Writing is thinking in slow motion.

Reason may not always tell us what to believe, but it can help us on what we shouldn't believe.

The great artist is the man who most obviously succeeds in turning his pains to advantage, in letting suffering deepen his understanding and sensibility, in growing through his pains.

Words signify man's refusal to accept the world as it is.

Those who believe in God because their experience of life and the facts of nature prove his existence must have led sheltered lives and closed their hearts to the voice of their brothers' blood.

For atheism and polytheism there is no special problem of suffering, nor need there be for every kind of monotheism.

To try to fashion something from suffering, to relish our triumphs, and to endure defeats without resentment: all that is compatible with the faith of a heretic.

Life ceases to be so oppressive: we are free to give our own lives meaning and purpose, free to redeem our suffering by making something of it.

I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness.

No one can foretell the details in a day, we can only hope.

It's like a fairy tale. . . on crack!

It's a very good historical book about history.

Nonsense, seems to sum up everything.

As I've said before, you can be an atheist and anything you like.

I know how to control the Universe. Why would I run to get a million, tell me?

As addictions go, reading is among the cleanest, easiest to feed, happiest.

He does not struggle with anyone - thus no one can vanquish him.

The repercussions of one person living in stubborn gladness are incalculable.