At this stage you must admit that whatever is seen to be sentient is nevertheless composed of atoms that are insentient. The phenomena open to our observation so not contradict this conclusion or conflict with it. Rather they lead us by the hand and compel us to believe that the animate is born, as I maintain, of the insentient.

Human life lay foul before men's eyes, crushed to the dust beneath religion's weight.

...if one thing frightens people, it is that so much happens, on earth and out in space, the reasons for which seem somehow to escape them, and they fill in the gap by putting it down to the gods.

Tis pleasant to stand on shore and watch others labouring in a stormy sea.

In the midst of the fountain of wit there arises something bitter, which stings in the very flowers.

How is it that the sky feeds the stars?

If men saw that a term was set to their troubles, they would find strength in some way to withstand the hocus-pocus and intimidations of the prophets.