That is the great mystery of human evolution: how to account for calculus and Mozart.

I tend to believe that religious dogma is a consequence of evolution.

Human beings function better if they are deceived by their genes into thinking that there is a disinterested objective morality binding upon them, which all should obey.

The beginning of wisdom, as the Chinese say, is calling things by their right names.

Even as empiricism is winning the mind, transcendentalism continues to win the heart.

Today [the voice of women] is being heard loud and clear. But I do not read the welcome triumph of feminism, social, economic, and creative, as a brief for postmodernism. The advance, while opening new avenues of expression and liberating deep pools of talent, has not exploded human nature into little pieces. Instead, it has set the stage for a fuller exploration of the universal traits that unite humanity.

Go as far as you can, [young scientists]. The world needs you badly.