Religion cannot sink lower than when somehow it is raised to a state religion ... It becomes then an avowed mistress.

Mine is a most peaceable disposition. My wishes are: a humble cottage with a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, the freshest milk and butter, flowers before my window, and a few fine trees before my door; and if God wants to make my happiness complete, he will grant me the joy of seeing some six or seven of my enemies hanging from those trees. Before death I shall, moved in my heart, forgive them all the wrong they did me in their lifetime. One must, it is true, forgive one's enemies-- but not before they have been hanged.

There is only one writer in whom I find something that reminds me of the directness of style which is found in the Bible. It is Shakespeare.

With his nightcaps and the tatters of his dressing-gown he patches up the gaps in the structure of the universe.

God has given us speech in order that we may say pleasant things to our friends, and tell bitter truths to our enemies.

Laughter is wholesome. God is not so dull as some people make out. Did not He make the kitten to chase its tail.

The negro king desired to be portrayed as white. But do not laugh at the poor African; for every man is but another negro king, and would like to appear in a color different from that with which Fate has bedaubed him.