We need not only a purpose in life to give meaning to our existence but also something to give meaning to our suffering. We need as much something to suffer for as something to live for.

Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our failures, discouragements and doubts.

A sublime religion inevitably generates a strong feeling of guilt. There is an unavoidable contrast between loftiness of profession and imperfection of practice. And, as one would expect, the feeling of guilt promotes hate and brazenness. Thus it seems that the more sublime the faith the more virulent the hatred it breeds.

No matter what our achievements might be, we think well of ourselves only in rare moments. We need people to bear witness against our inner judge, who keeps book on our shortcomings and transgressions. We need people to convince us that we are not as bad as we think we are.

Ideas have significance for him only as a prelude to action.

Passionate hatred can give meaning and purpose to an empty life.

The true believer, no matter how rowdy and violent his acts, is basically an obedient and submissive person.