We know of no spectacle more ridiculous—or more contemptible—than that of the religious reactionaries who dare to re-write the history of our republic. Or who try to do so. Is it possible that, in their vanity and stupidity, they suppose that they can erase the name of Thomas Jefferson and replace it with the name of some faith-based mediocrity whose name is already obscure? If so, we cheerfully resolve to mock them, and to give them the lie in their teeth.

Thanks to the telescope and the microscope, religion no longer offers an explanation for anything important.

Redemption is promised at the low price of surrender of your critical faculties.

Most of the utopian community ideas actually are religious. They're based more on the idea of the monastery than the commune.

I was taught very early on that the state can be, and is, a liar and a murderer.

What is your idea of earthly happiness? To be vindicated in my own lifetime.

History is a tragegy, not a morality tale.