If all those around you believe some particular thing, you will soon be tempted to share in that belief.

When we try to conceal our innermost drives, the entire being screams betrayal.

Chance is the nature of our universe. [...] madness represents a chaotic reservoir of surprises. Some surprises can be valuable.

The best contribution one can make to humanity is to improve oneself.

You don't write for success. That takes part of your attention away from the writing. If you're really doing it, that's all you're doing: writing.

To be a god can ultimately become boring and degrading. There'd be reason enough for the invention of free will! A god might wish to escape into sleep and be alive only in the unconscious projections of his dream-creatures.

Intelligence takes chances with limited data in an arena where mistakes are not only possible but also necessary.