In man's life, the absence of an essential component usually leads to the adoption of a substitute. The substitute is read more

In man's life, the absence of an essential component usually leads to the adoption of a substitute. The substitute is usually embraced with vehemence and extremism, for we have to convince ourselves that what we took as second choice is the best there ever was. Thus blind faith is to a considerable extent a substitute for the lost faith in ourselves; insatiable desire a substitute for hope; accumulation a substitute for growth; fervent hustling a substitute for purposeful action; and pride a substitute for an unattainable self-respect.

The world is dying for want, not of good preaching, but of good hearing.

The world is dying for want, not of good preaching, but of good hearing.

Destiny is but a phrase of the weak human heart - the dark apology for every error. The strong and read more

Destiny is but a phrase of the weak human heart - the dark apology for every error. The strong and virtuous admit no destiny. On earth conscience guides; in heaven God watches. And destiny is but the phantom we invoke to silence the one and dethrone the other.

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the read more

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul.

When men have gone so far as to talk as though their idols have come to life, it is time read more

When men have gone so far as to talk as though their idols have come to life, it is time that someone broke them.

Beware of the man of one book.

Beware of the man of one book.

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store read more

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.

In the relationship between man and religion, the state is firmly committed to a position of neutrality.

In the relationship between man and religion, the state is firmly committed to a position of neutrality.

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand read more

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.