There is no reason to suppose that the world had a beginning at all. The idea that things must have a beginning is really due to the poverty of our thoughts.

The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.

Men are born ignorant, not stupid. They are made stupid by education.

An Honest politician will not be tolerated by a democracy unless he is very stupid ... because only a very stupid man can honestly share the prejudices of more than half the nation.

If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have a paradise in a few years.

We have in fact, two kinds of morality, side by side: one which we preach, but do not practice, and another which we practice, but seldom preach.

The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd.

Cruel men believe in a cruel god and use their belief to excuse their cruelty. Only kindly men believe in a kindly god, and they would be kindly in any case.

Killing people isn't progress.

To listen to criticism and act on it if it is valid and ignore it if it is not is a sign of intelligence.

I'm all about being prudent. And I've started to appreciate experiences more than actual objects.

It's true that things are beautiful when they work. Art is function.

Respect is not a one way street

The largest single step in the ascent of man is the change from nomad to village agriculture.

My job is to provide the president with the richest possible consideration, so that he knows what is at stake in whatever decision he makes.

Like many alcoholics, I was a staggering woman in a chic apartment, sick and utterly disgusting.

What a world! Whether you're right or wrong, as long as you're strong, you're right.

I left my fingerprints somewhere - that's good enough. I am my own person - that's good enough. I stand my ground - that's good enough.