Finding the occasional straw of truth awash in a great ocean of confusion and bamboozle requires intelligence, vigilance, dedication, and courage. But if we don't practice these tough habits of thought, we cannot hope to solve the truly serious problems that face us --- and we risk becoming a nation of suckers, up for grabs by the next charlatan who comes along.

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

[S]cience has itself become a kind of religion.

The cannabis experience has greatly improved my appreciation for art, a subject which I had never much appreciated before.

I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But as much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking.

Every star may be a sun to someone.

The open road still softly calls, like a nearly forgotten song of childhood