If a man wishes to have God recognized in the constitution of our country, let him read the history of the Inquisition, and let him remember that hundreds of millions of men, women, and children have been sacrificed to placate the wrath, or win the approbation of this god.

Just to the extent that the Bible was appealed to in matters of science, science was retarded; and just to the extent that science has been appealed to in matters of religion, religion has advanced - so that now the object of intelligent religionists is to adopt a creed that will bear the test and criticism of science.

It is grander to think and investigate for yourself than to repeat a creed.

Why should we postpone our joy to another world? Let us get all we can of the good between the cradle and the grave, all that we can of the truly dramatic. If, when death comes, that is the end, we have at least made the best of this life.

Nothing could be more dangerous to the existence of this Republic than to introduce religion into politics

Ignorance is the worst form of slavery. (Paraphrased)

Whoever increases the sum of human joy, is a worshiper. He who adds to the sum of human misery, is a blasphemer.