Each religion, by the help of more or less myth, which it takes more or less seriously, proposes some method of fortifying the human soul and enabling it to make its peace with its destiny.

Music is essentially useless, as life is; but both have an ideal extension which lends utility to its conditions.

The existence of any evil anywhere at any time absolutely ruins a total optimism.

Let a man once overcome his selfish terror at his own finitude, and his finitude itself is, in one sense, overcome.

Religion should be disentangled as much as possible from history and authority and metaphysics, and made to rest honestly on one's fine feelings, on one's indomitable optimism and trust in life.

Art is a delayed echo.

Prayer, among sane people, has never superseded practical efforts to secure the desired end.