The truest test of independent judgment is being able to dislike someone who admires us, and to admire someone who dislikes us.

The difference between faith and superstition is that the first uses reason to go as far as it can, and then makes the jump; the second shuns reason entirely — which is why superstition is not the ally, but the enemy, of true religion.

Much as a teacher may wince at the thought, he is also an entertainer—for unless he can hold his audience, he cannot really instruct or edify them.

The difference between patriotism and nationalism is that the patriot is proud of his country for what it does, and the nationalist is proud of his country no matter what it does; the first attitude creates a feeling of responsibility, but the second a feeling of blind arrogance that leads to war.

Filth is always a sign of weakness - in the mouth of the user and in the mind of the writer.

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.

People who think they're generous to a fault usually think that's their only fault.