A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical read more

A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical believer is not conscious of his envy, malice, pettiness and dishonesty. There is a wall of words between his consciousness and his real self.

Words have ruined more souls than any devil's agency.

Words have ruined more souls than any devil's agency.

The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.

The Universe has as many different centers as there are living beings in it.

Disapproval is a very important factor in all progress. There has really never been any progress without it.

Disapproval is a very important factor in all progress. There has really never been any progress without it.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

Peace is a natural effect of trade.

A system in which the two great commandments were, to hate your
neighbour and to love your neighbour's wife.

A system in which the two great commandments were, to hate your
neighbour and to love your neighbour's wife.

You cannot criticize the New Testament. It criticizes you.

You cannot criticize the New Testament. It criticizes you.

Irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.

Irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.

Philosophy consists very largely of one philosopher arguing that all other philosophers are jackasses. He usually proves it, and I read more

Philosophy consists very largely of one philosopher arguing that all other philosophers are jackasses. He usually proves it, and I should add that he also usually proves that he is one himself.