the language of truth is too simple for inexperienced ears.

it is not that religion is merely useless, it is mischievous. It is mischievous by its idle terrors; it is mischievous by its false morality; it is mischievous by its hypocrisy; by its fanaticism; by its dogmatism; by its threats; by its hopes; by its promises.

Credulity is always ridiculous.

Of the thousands who have paid homage to virtue, barely one has thought to inspect the pedestal on which it stands.

The condition of women affords in all countries the best criterion by which to judge the character of men.

There is but one honest limit to the rights of a sentient being; it is where they touch the rights of another sentient being.

Opinions are not to be learned by rote, like the letters of an alphabet, or the words of a dictionary. They are conclusions to be formed, and formed by each individual in the sacred and free citadel of the mind, and there enshrined beyond the arm of law to reach, or force to shake; ay! and beyond the right of impertinent curiosity to violate, or presumptuous arrogance to threaten.