We do not need the forgiveness of God, but of each other and of ourselves.

If I go to heaven I want to take my reason with me.

[T]he blossom of benevolence, of charity, is the fairest flower, no matter whether it blooms by the side of a hovel, or bursts from a vine climbing the marble pillar of a palace. I respect no man because he is rich; I hold in contempt no man because he is poor.

So, ministers say that they teach charity. This is natural. They live on alms. All beggars teach that others should give.

I found that the clergy did not understand their own book.

As we become civilized we are governed less by persons and more by principles. . . . The best of all leaders is the man who teaches people to lead themselves.

The closer I'm bound in love to you, the closer I am to free.