There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion

Contempt for happiness is usually contempt for other people's happiness, and is an elegant disguise for hatred of the human race

Man is a feeble creature, to whom only submission and worship are besoming. Pride is insolence, and belief in human power is impiety

I observe that a very large portion of the human race does not believe in God and suffers no visible punishment in consequence. And if there were a God, I think it very unlikely that he would have such an uneasy vanity as to be offended by those who

It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion