It's often a bad sign when people defend themselves against charges which haven't been made.

If religious instruction were not allowed until the child had attained the age of reason, we would be living in a quite different world.

Islamophobia: a word created by fascists, and used by cowards, to manipulate morons.

Religion is poison because it asks us to give up our most precious faculty, which is that of reason, and to believe things without evidence. It then asks us to respect this, which it calls faith.

Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence.

Human beings are pattern-seeking animals who will prefer even a bad theory or a conspiracy theory to no theory at all.

I learned that very often the most intolerant and narrow-minded people are the ones who congratulate themselves on their tolerance and open-mindedness.

High moral character is not a precondition for great moral accomplishments.

What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.

Why do humans exist? A major part of the answer: because Pikaia Gracilens survived the Burgess decimation.

The only real radicalism in our time will come as it always has—from people who insist on thinking for themselves and who reject party-mindedness.

You are not showing her my baby pictures!” He sounded horrified, which made me laugh. “Come on, Evan, ” I teased with a laughing smile, “you were adorable.

In general, fire is used to throw enemies into confusion so that you can attack them.

I have climbed these steps so often I know each one by name.

The bone-breaking thing is something that I put in many narratives.

I write rhymes with addition and algebra, mental geometry.

The real problem is not the bad guys; it is that good guys have gone to sleep.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.

Honor does not have to be defended.

I had art as a major, along with English, French and History. I had dance, modern dance. In English I was allowed to write my own poetry, which I eventually got published.

The best way to help people to maximize their creative potential is to allow them to do something they love.