The average schoolmaster is, and always must be, an ass.

Nothing can come out of an artist that is not in the man.

I believe that religion, generally speaking, has been a curse to mankind.

Religion deserves no more respect than a pile of garbage.

The idea that the sole aim of punishment is to prevent crime is obviously grounded upon the theory that crime can be prevented, which is almost as dubious as the notion that poverty can be prevented.

Change is not progress.

The fact is that the average man's love of liberty is nine-tenths imaginary, exactly like his love of sense, justice and truth... Liberty is not a thing for the great masses of men. It is the exclusive possession of a small and disreputable minority, like knowledge, courage and honor. It takes a special sort of man to understand and enjoy liberty - and he is usually an outlaw in democratic societies.