Perhaps worse still is what liberal societies might do to themselves in the face of this new and different threat [of terrorism]. They begin, by small but dangerous increments, to cease to be as liberal as they once were. They begin to restrict their own hard-won rights and freedoms as a protection against the crminial minority who attempt (and as we thus see, by forcing liberty to commit suidcide, succed in doing) to terrorise society.

I despise people who depend on these things [heroin and cocaine]. If you really want a mind-altering experience, look at a tree.

Religions survive mainly because they brainwash the young.

And I say, the meaning of life is what you make it. There will be as many different meaningful lives as there are people to live them.

Misuse of reason might yet return the world to pre-technological night; plenty of religious zealots hunger for just such a result, and are happy to use the latest technology to effect it.

Look at the blogosphere - the biggest lavatory wall in the universe, a palimpsest of graffiti and execration.

Try lighting your house by prayer instead of electricity and see which one works.