Atheism is without God. It does not assert no God.

No religion is suddenly rejected by any people; it is rather gradually outgrown. None sees a religion die; dead religions are like dead languages and obsolete customs: the decay is long and - like the glacier march - is perceptible only to the careful watcher by comparisons extending over long periods.

Is poverty of spirit the chief amongst virtues, that Jesus gives it prime place in his teachings? Is it even a virtue at all? Surely not. Manliness of spirit, honesty of spirit, fullness of rightful purpose, these are virtues; poverty of spirit is a crime.

Better a thousandfold abuse of free speech than denial of free speech.

Atheist, without God, I look to humankind for sympathy, for love, for hope, for effort, for aid.

Idle and meaningless ... a form less solemn to me than the affirmation I would have reverently made.

[That] my body be buried as cheaply as possible and no speeches be permitted at my funeral.