Small amounts of philosophy lead to atheism, but larger amounts bring us back to God.

A little philosophy inclineth man's mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's minds about to religion.

People usually think according to their inclinations, speak according to their learning and ingrained opinions, but generally act according to custom.

Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects and please or displease only in the memory.

By aiming for paradise, we lose sight of earth. Hope of a beyond and aspiration to an afterlife engender a sense of futility in the present. If the prospect of getting taken up to paradise generates joy, it is the mindless joy of a baby picked up from his crib.

I just looked preposterous. It would be 'King Lear' and I'd walk on with Cordelia's dead body in my arms and the audience would hoot with laughter. The only time they didn't laugh was when I was doing comedy.

My grandmother had six kids - one died as an infant - and she was dirt-poor, and all her kids got an education. And my mom grew up poor. And they both worked so hard and cultivated so much of their own happiness. I wanted to have that like an amulet. Not like armor, but like a magic feather. Like Dumbo's magic feather.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.