It seems to me impossible for a civilized man to love or worship, or respect the God of the Old Testament. A really civilized man, a really civilized woman, must hold such a God in abhorrence and contempt.

Most men are followers, and implicitly rely upon the judgment of others. They mistake solemnity for wisdom, and regard a grave countenance as the title page and Preface to a most learned volume. So they are easily imposed upon by forms, strange garments, and solemn ceremonies. And when the teaching of parents, the customs of neighbors, and the general tongue approve and justify a belief or creed, no matter how absurd, it is hard even for the strongest to hold the citadel of his soul. In each country, in defence of each religion, the same arguments would be urged.

Nothing but truth is immortal.

It seems to me that if there is some infinite being who wants us to think alike he would have made us alike.

In a world of cruelty, sympathy is a crime, and in a world of lies, truth is blasphemy.

Injustice upon earth renders the justice of of heaven impossible.

I have no confidence in any religion that can be demonstrated only to children.