At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and read more

At the core of every moral code there is a picture of human nature, a map of the universe, and a version of history. To human nature (of the sort conceived), in a universe (of the kind imagined), after a history (so understood), the rules of the code apply.

Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the offense, rather than at the read more

Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the offense, rather than at the time.

If people would forget about utopia! When rationalism destroyed heaven and decided to set it up here on earth, that read more

If people would forget about utopia! When rationalism destroyed heaven and decided to set it up here on earth, that most terrible of all goals entered human ambition. It was clear there'd be no end to what people would be made to suffer for it.

The fewer words the better prayer.

The fewer words the better prayer.

I still say a church steeple with a lightening rod on top shows a lack of confidence.

I still say a church steeple with a lightening rod on top shows a lack of confidence.

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.

If someone were to prove to me -- right this minute -- that God, in all his luminousness, exists, it read more

If someone were to prove to me -- right this minute -- that God, in all his luminousness, exists, it wouldn't change a single aspect of my behavior.

There is only one greater folly than that of the fool who says in his heart there is no God, read more

There is only one greater folly than that of the fool who says in his heart there is no God, and that is the folly of the people that says with its head that it does not know whether there is a God or not.

Religion has not civilized man, man has civilized religion.

Religion has not civilized man, man has civilized religion.