“Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make in the presence of unjustified religious beliefs.”

“I have heard many times that atheists know more about religion than religious people. Atheism is an effect of that knowledge, not a lack of knowledge. I gave a Bible to my daughter. That's how you make atheists.”

“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.”

“… the reason your conscience has nothing to say about your atheism is that atheism is not a moral issue. It's an intellectual issue.”

“There is nothing more important than appearing to be religious.”

“For this reason, in any cultural development in which the immigrant shares and is a real contributive factor, a way must be found to make his religious beliefs and experience of use. This means more than to permit him to worship in his own way. It means more than toleration. It means the use for America of the finest aspirations and traditions of these men. It means an appreciation of their literature and of the art which has come out of these beliefs.”

“One of the blunders religious people are particularly fond of making is the attempt to be more spiritual than God.”

“Words are more powerful than some noises. Noises won't last long. Lyrics are so important, and people don't realise that.”

“A man to whom you do a favor will not understand if you say nothing, make no noise, just walk away. You may cause more trouble by refusing a bribe than by accepting it.”

“Depend on me; never fear your enemies. I'll warrant we make more noise than they.”