The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and become blind to the arguments against it.

The trouble with her is that she lacks the power of conversation but not the power of speech.

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.

All censorships exist to prevent any one from challenging current conceptions and existing institutions. All progress is initiated by challenging current conceptions, and executed by supplanting existing institutions. Consequently the first condition of progress is the removal of censorships.

The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact than a drunken man is happier than a sober one.

When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.

When a thing is funny, search it for a hidden truth.

This is the true joy in life — being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one…