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.

The right things to do are those that keep our violence in abeyance; the wrong things are those that bring it to the fore.

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

Secrecy was the problem; transparency the obvious cure.

General principles should not be based on exceptional cases.

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

You can't choose the ways in which you'll be tested.