Nothing as mundane as mere evidence can be allowed to threaten a vision so deeply satisfying.

Nothing as mundane as mere evidence can be allowed to threaten a vision so deeply satisfying.

Treat others as thou wouldn't be treated. What thou likest not for thyself, dispense not to others.

Treat others as thou wouldn't be treated. What thou likest not for thyself, dispense not to others.

Religion is the sum of the expansive impulses of a being.

Religion is the sum of the expansive impulses of a being.

In His will is our peace.

In His will is our peace.

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.

Should our moral beliefs really prove to be dependent on factual assumptions shown to be incorrect, it would be hardly read more

Should our moral beliefs really prove to be dependent on factual assumptions shown to be incorrect, it would be hardly moral to defend them by refusing to acknowledge the facts.

If you think practicing what you preach is rough, just try preaching what you practice.

If you think practicing what you preach is rough, just try preaching what you practice.

All things are inconstant except the faith in the soul, which changes all things and fills their inconstancy with light, read more

All things are inconstant except the faith in the soul, which changes all things and fills their inconstancy with light, but though I seem to be driven out of my country as a misbeliever I have found no man yet with a faith like mine.

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.