... In a free society, skeptics are the watchdogs against irrationalism - the consumer advocates of ideas. Debunking is not simply the divestment of bunk; its utility is in offering a better alternative, along with a lesson on how thinking goes wrong.

Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons.

Myths, whether in written or visual form, serve a vital role of asking unanswerable questions and providing unquestionable answers. Most of us, most of the time, have a low tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty. We want to reduce the cognitive dissonance of not knowing by filling the gaps with answers. Traditionally, religious myths have served that role, but today — the age of science — science fiction is our mythology.

A Hubble Space Telescope photograph of the universe evokes far more awe for creation than light streaming through a stained glass window in a cathedral.

We do not just blindly concede control to authorities; instead we follow the cues provided by our moral communities on how best to behave.

Are science and religion compatible? It's like, are science and plumbing compatible? They're just two different things.

Providentially, learned habits can be unlearned, especially in the context of moral groups.