“We do not rely solely upon science and reason, because these are necessary rather than sufficient factors, but we distrust anything that contradicts science or outrages reason. We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, openmindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake.”–Christopher Hitchens
Religion has been a rather positive influence in my life. As a child I was exposed to the beauty and pageantry of Catholic ritual. I went to a Catholic school for 12 years, and the nuns and priests were certainly positive role models. When I stopped being a practicing Catholic, I still retained many of … More On Judaism
“It is not unscientific to make a guess, although many people who are not in science think it is. Some years ago I had a conversation with a layman about flying saucers — because I am scientific I know all about flying saucers! I said ‘I don’t think there are flying saucers.’ So my antagonist … More Quote of the Day
Has Pope Francis just effectively endorsed Bernie Sanders by inviting him to the Vatican on the eve of the NY primary? One could make a case that Pope Francis is trying to boost Sanders’ chances. The two men are on the same page, at least on issues of economic justice. Each in his own way … More Francis and Bernie
“A guitar twanged from the far-off radio. Country music. Damn. They’d resorted to torture already.” ― Kelley Armstrong, Stolen
“It is not ‘scientism’ to concede the objectivity and precision of good science, any more than it is history worship to concede that Napoleon did once rule in France and the Holocaust actually happened. Those who fear the facts will forever try to discredit the fact-finders.”–Daniel Dennett
Anybody who cares about the future of the United States should start to worry that the Republicans will somehow wiggle out of nominating Donald Trump as their presidential candidate. Why should every sane person on the planet, not just angry Trump voters and savvy Democrats, hope Trump is the GOP candidate? With the rise of … More Oh please, God, let Trump win the nomination…
“The Enlightenment took aim not at reverence, but at idolatry and superstition; it never believed progress was inevitable, only that it is possible.”—Susan Neiman http://www.spiked-online.com/spiked-review/article/an-enlightenment-for-grownups#.VwWFXTzbLIV
“You show me a lazy prick who’s lying in bed all day, watching TV, only occasionally getting up to piss, and I’ll show you a guy who’s not causing any trouble.” ― George Carlin
“Can I say ‘shit’ in my head?” This is a question my five-year-old grandson posed to his mother. Her response, obviously a wise one, was “Go for it.” She didn’t want him to be troubled by the inevitable intrusion of a taboo word into his thoughts. A five year old has enough to worry about. … More The Shit in Our Heads
No Harm Spilt 