In a rational society we would want our presidents to be teachers. In our actual society we insist they be cheerleaders.

...we are entitled to make almost any reasonable assumption, but should resist making conclusions until evidence requires that we do so.

There are few pages of history which do not demonstrate that public prayer and ritual never inoculated people against mass-madness and cruelty. What is needed is emphasis on morality and manners.

Sometimes things which at the moment may be perceived as obstacles-and actually be obstacles, difficulties, or drawbacks-can in the long run result in some good end which would not have occurred if it had not been for the obstacle.

Totalitarianism is patriotism institutionalized.

We must never forget that both good and evil flow from the Bible. It is therefore not above criticism.

Religious believers of the world, you are free to continue to debate the simple, narrow question that divides you from atheists, but you have no right, in so doing, to treat the Humanists of the world with contempt. You owe them a deep debt of gratitude, for not only have they shed much light on a naturally dark world but they have very probably helped civilize your own specific religion.