A rationalist, as I use the word, is a man who attempts to reach decisions by argument and perhaps, in certain cases, by compromise, rather than by violence. He is a man who would rather be unsuccessful in convincing another man by argument than successful in crushing him by force, by intimidation and threats, or even by persuasive propaganda.

The conspiracy theory of society... comes from abandoning god and then asking: "Who is in his place"

Contrary to the outstanding work of art, outstanding theory is susceptible to improvements.

If we wish our civilization to survive we must break with the habit of deference to great men.

The attempt to make heaven on earth invariably produces hell.

Thus science must begin with myths, and with the criticism of myths; neither with the collection of observations, nor with the invention of experiments, but with the critical discussion of myths, and of magical techniques and practices.

Serious rational criticism is so rare that it should be encouraged. Being too ready to defend oneself is more dangerous than being too ready to admit a mistake.