I finished by saying that it struck me that all the ethical systems I was discussing were after the fact. That is, that people act as they are disposed to, but they like to feel afterwards that they were right and so they invent systems that approve of their dispositions.

Maturity is the ability to sort the portions of truth from the accepted lies and self-deceptions that you have grown up with.

Everybody should espouse three or four harmless crank theories for the pure pleasure of having something harmless to be cranky about. And when a theory of this sort proves correct, it is a true moment for celebration.

There's no reason to trade insults. We have our way of life and they have theirs. I wouldn't live as they do, but disrespect seems pointless. I'm sure there are good people among them.

Brains are no good if you don't use them.

You can't stamp on people and not get hurt in return.

Some people get a feeling of power from being unpleasant.