Man stands alone in the universe, responsible for his condition, likely to remain in a lowly state, but free to reach above the stars.

The deepest difference between religions is not that between polytheism and monotheism.

Man stands alone in the universe, responsible for his condition, likely to remain in a lowly state, but free to reach above the stars.

It does not follow that the meaning must be given from above; that life and suffering must come neatly labeled; that nothing is worth while if the world is not governed by a purpose.

Thirdly, even if we assume that the world is governed by purpose, we need only add that this purpose - or, if there are several, at least one of them - is not especially intent on preventing suffering, whether it is indifferent to suffering or actually rejoices in it.

Writing is thinking in slow motion.

It is widely assumed, contrary to fact, that theism necessarily involves the two assumptions which cannot be squared with the existence of so much suffering, and that therefore, per impossibile, they simply have to be squared with the existence of all this suffering, somehow.