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

I do not deny God, because that word conveys to me no idea, and I cannot deny that which presents to me no distinct affirmation, and of which the would-be affirmer has no conception. I cannot war with a nonentity. If, however, God is affirmed to represent an existence which is distinct from the existence of which I am a mode, and which it is alleged is not the noumenon of which the word I represents only a speciality of phenomena, then I deny God, and affirm that it is impossible God can be.

The abuse dies in a day; but the denial slays the life of the people and entombs the hope of the race.

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

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

There is a court to which I shall appeal: the court of public opinion.

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.