Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.

Religions contradict one another-on small matters, such as whether we should put on a hat or take one off on entering a house of worship, or whether we should eat beef and eschew pork or the other way around, all the way to the most central issues, such as whether there are no gods, one God, or many gods.

The universe seems neither benign nor hostile, merely indifferent.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

Human beings have a demonstrated talent for self-deception when their emotions are stirred.

Science is an attempt, largely successful, to understand the world, to get a grip on things, to get hold of ourselves, to steer a safe course. Microbiology and meteorology now explain what only a few centuries ago was considered sufficient cause to burn women to death.

Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence