The point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as not to seem worth stating, and to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it.

Curious learning not only makes unpleasant things less unpleasant but also makes pleasant things more pleasant.

When two men of science disagree, they do not invoke the secular arm; they wait for further evidence to decide the issue, because, as men of science, they know that neither is infallible. But when two theologians differ, since there is no criteria to which either can appeal, there is nothing for it but mutual hatred and an open or covert appeal to force.

The most savage controversies are about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way.

Men who are unhappy, like men who sleep badly, are always proud of the fact.

The teaching of Christ, as it appears in the Gospels, has had extraordinarily little to do with the ethics of Christians.

The governors of the world believe, and have always believed, that virtue can only be taught by teaching falsehood, and that any man who knew the truth would be wicked. I disbelieve this, absolutely and entirely. I believe that love of truth is the basis of all real virtue, and that virtues based upon lies can only do harm.