All socialism involves slavery.

The idea of disembodied spirits is wholly unsupported by evidence, and I cannot accept it.

In science the important thing is to modify and change one's ideas as science advances.

There is a story of some mountains of salt in Cumana, which never diminished, though carried away in much abundance by merchants; but when once they were monopolized to the benefit of a private purse, then the salt decreased; till afterward all were allowed to take of it, when it had a new access and increase. The truth of this story may be uncertain, but the application is true; he that envies others the use of his gifts decays then, but he thrives most that is most diffusive.

Feudalism, serfdom, slavery — all tyrannical institutions, are merely the most vigorous kinds of rule, springing out of, and necessary to, a bad state of man. The progress from these is in all cases the same — less government.

The "Creed of Christendom" is alien to my nature, both emotional and intellectual.

The question of questions for the politicians should ever be-What type of social structure am I tending to produce? But this is a question he never entertains.