So far as we have any information about man, we know that he has always and everywhere been under the influence of dominating ideas. Any one who alleges that he is not can immediately be suspected of having exchanged a known form of belief for a variant which is less known both to himself and to others. Instead of theism he is a devotee of atheism, instead of Dionysus he favours the more modern Mithras, and instead of heaven he seeks paradise on earth.

For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.

Who is more humble? The scientist who looks at the universe with an open mind and accepts whatever the universe has to teach us, or somebody who says everything in this book must be considered the literal truth and never mind the fallibility of all the human beings involved?

Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

Do I think faith will be an important part of being a good president? Yes, I do.

People make suggestions on what to say all the time. I'll give you an example I don't read what's handed to me. People say, 'Here, here's your speech, or here's an idea for a speech.' They're changed. Trust me.

You know what's interesting about Washington It's the kind of place where second-guessing has become second nature.

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair the rest is in the hands of God.

When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.

He is an intellectual who is unbeholden to the shibboleths of the professoriat and who has a deep appreciation for untutored popular piety.

Live above the world, and underneath you shall be God's Everlasting Arms.

Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself.