Science is not enough, religion is not enough, art is not enough, politics and economics are not enough, nor is love, nor is duty, nor is action however disinterested, nor, however sublime, is contemplation. Nothing short of everything, will really do.

You've got to be hurt and upset; otherwise you can't think of the really good, penetrating, X-rayish phrases.

We shall be permitted to live on this planet only for as long as we treat all nature with compassion and intelligence.

People intoxicate themselves with work so they won't see how they really are.

We lie to ourselves in order that we may still have the excuse of ignorance, the alibi of stupidity and incomprehension, possessing which we can continue with a good conscience to commit and tolerate the most monstrous crimes.

What’s the point of truth or beauty or knowledge when anthrax bombs are popping all around you?

If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasures of illusion.