All religious systems enslave the mind. Certain things are demanded-certain things must be believed-certain things must be done-and the man who becomes the subject or servant of this superstition must give up all idea of indivuality or hope of intellectual growth or progress.

Laughing has always been considered by theologians as a crime.

Every pulpit is a pillory, in which stands a hired culprit, defending the justice of his own imprisonment.

If we admit that some infinite being has controlled the destinies of persons and peoples, history becomes a most cruel and bloody farce.

Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power.

The church teaches us that we can make God happy by being miserable ourselves.

If you have ever clothed another with woe, as with a garment of pain, you will never be quite as happy as though you had not done that thing.