We know that the exercise of virtue should be its own reward, and it seems to follow that the enduring of it on the part of the patient should be its own punishment.

Dogmatism and skepticism are both, in a sense, absolute philosophies; one is certain of knowing, the other of not knowing. What philosophy should dissipate is certainty, whether of knowledge or ignorance.

I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.

It is no credit to the orthodox that they do not now believe all the absurdities that were believed 150 years ago. The gradual emasculation of the Christian doctrine has been effected in spite of the most vigorous resistance, and solely as the result of the onslaughts of freethinkers.

My whole religion is this: do every duty, and expect no reward for it, either here or hereafter.

There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths.

The whiter my hair becomes, the more ready people are to believe what I say.