Since I have introduced this term I had always a bad conscience. . . . I cannot help to feel it strongly and I am unable to believe that such an ugly thing should be realized in nature.

I do not believe in free will. Schopenhauer's words: 'Man can do what he wants, but he cannot will what he wills,' accompany me in all situations throughout my life and reconcile me with the actions of others, even if they are rather painful to me. This awareness of the lack of free will keeps me from taking myself and my fellow men too seriously as acting and deciding individuals, and from losing my temper.

As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.

I have yet to figure out whether it is I am that am crazy, or the world.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

Politics is a pendulum whose swings between anarchy and tyranny are fueled by perennially rejuvenated illusions.

My deep religiosity [...] found an abrupt ending at the age of twelve, through the reading of popular scientific books.