Religion [is] the universal obsessional neurosis of humanity

I consider it a good rule for letter-writing to leave unmentioned what the recipient already knows, and instead tell him something new.

The most complicated achievements of thought are possible without the assistance of consciousness.

Every man has a right over his own life and war destroys lives that were full of promise; it forces the individual into situations that shame his manhood, obliging him to murder fellow men, against his will.

My way of working was different years ago. I used to wait until an idea came to me. Now I go half-way to meet it, though I don't know whether I find it any the quicker.

When someone abuses me I can defend myself, but against praise I am defenceless.

Words have a magical power. They can bring either the greatest happiness or deepest despair; they can transfer knowledge from teacher to student; words enable the orator to sway his audience and dictate its decisions. Words are capable of arousing the strongest emotions and prompting all men's actions.