We're all talking about the same thing, whether it's religious people or New Age spiritual people or Buddhists or scientists. We're all talking about having a sense of awe and wonder at something grander than ourselves.

In the long run, it is better to understand the way the world really is rather than how we would like it to be.

Humans evolved brains that are pattern-recognition machines, adept at detecting signals that enhance or threaten survival amid a very noisy world. ... But there is only one surefire method of proper pattern recognition, and that is science.

To be a fully functioning moral agent, one cannot passively accept moral principles handed down by fiat. Moral principles require moral reasoning.

Absolute morality leads logically to absolute intolerance.

Skepticism is not a position; skepticism is an approach to claims, in the same way that science is not a subject but a method.

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