There is no alternative to the peaceful coexistence of cultures.

There is no magic on earth strong enough to wipe out the legacies of one's parents.

Bread and books: food for the body and food for the soul - what could be more worthy of our respect, and even love?

Fundamentalism isn't about religion, it's about power.

A man is sane only to the extent that he subscribes to a previously-agreed construction of reality.

Religion, a mediaeval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms. This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today. I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity. 'Respect for religion' has become a code phrase meaning 'fear of religion.' Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.

I am gagged and imprisoned. I can't even speak. I want to kick a football in a park with my son. Ordinary, banal life: my impossible dream.