See what the world looks like from orbit. Well, in that way, at least, there was profit to be had. Nobody could look down at the planet, green and blue, with no borders in evidence and no sign of human habitation, and not get his perspective forever altered.

The cultures we can look at had already grasped the essential unity of nature. No board of gods can survive that knowledge.

Faith is conviction without evidence, and sometimes even in the face of contrary evidence. In some quarters, this quality is perceived as a virtue.

The queen of virtues is the recognition of one's own flaws.

Solitude is only a good idea if you have the right people along to share it.

Faith has its price. When misfortune strikes the true believer, he assumes he has done something to deserve punishment, but isn't quite certain what. The realist, recognizing that he lives in a Darwinian universe, is simply grateful to have made it to another sunset.

Intelligence is like pornography. I can't define it, but I know if when I see it.