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.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was
smiling. Live your life so that when you read more

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was
smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're smiling and
everyone around you is crying.

To say nothing of its holiness or authority, the Bible contains more specimens of genius and taste than any other read more

To say nothing of its holiness or authority, the Bible contains more specimens of genius and taste than any other volume in existence.

When we debunk a fanatical faith or prejudice, we do not strike at the root of fanaticism. We merely prevent read more

When we debunk a fanatical faith or prejudice, we do not strike at the root of fanaticism. We merely prevent its leaking out at a certain point, with the likely result that it will leak out at some other point. Thus by denigrating prevailing beliefs and loyalties, the militant man of words unwittingly creates in the disillusioned masses a hunger for faith. For the majority of people cannot endure the barrenness and futility of their lives unless they have some ardent dedication, or some passionate pursuit in which they can lose themselves. Thus, in spite of himself, the scoffing man of words becomes the precursor of a new faith.

If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would read more

If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would follow strictly the teachings of the New, he would be insane.

I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of.

I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.

Agnosticism is the philosophical, ethical and religious dry-rot of the modern world.

Agnosticism is the philosophical, ethical and religious dry-rot of the modern world.

Science has done more for the development of western civilization in one hundred years than Christianity did in eighteen hundred read more

Science has done more for the development of western civilization in one hundred years than Christianity did in eighteen hundred years.