Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity. Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.

Secrecy begets tyranny.

And suddenly I knew I was people and could not stop laughing.

If tempted by something that feels 'altruistic,' examine your motives and root out that self-deception. Then, if you still want to do it, wallow in it!

A poet who reads his verse in public may have other nasty habits.

There is solemn satisfaction in doing the best you can for eight billion people. Perhaps their lives have no cosmic significance, but they have feelings. They can hurt.

In terms of morals there is no such thing as ‘state.’ Just men. Individuals. Each responsible for his own acts.