Since ancient times, the philosophers' secret has always been this: we know that God does not exist, or, at least, if he does, he's utterly indifferent to our individual affairs--but we can't let the rabble know that; it's the fear of God, the threat of divine punishment and the promise of divine reward, that keeps in line those too unsophisticated to work out questions of morality on their own.

Naturally, one does not normally discuss plans to commit murder with the intended victim.

Virtual reality is just air guitar writ large.

Not wanting to die was another universal constant, it seemed.

There is no indisputable proof for the big bang," said Hollus. "And there is none for evolution. And yet you accept those. Why hold the question of whether there is a creator to a higher standard?

Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.

Secrecy was the problem; transparency the obvious cure.