"One of the great tragedies of mankind is that morality has been hijacked by religion." Arthur C. Clarke, science fiction writer (1917-2008)

"Advertising is legalized lying." H.G. Wells, writer (1866-1946)

"Animals have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills." Voltaire

"Intolerance of ambiguity is the mark of an authoritarian personality." Theodor Adorno, philosopher and composer (1903-1969)

"The souls of emperors and cobblers are cast in the same mold. The same reason that makes us wrangle with a neighbor creates a war betwixt princes." Michel de Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)

"True remorse is never just a regret over consequences; it is a regret over motive." Mignon McLaughlin, journalist and author (1913-1983)

"Whenever morality is based on theology, whenever right is made dependent on divine authority, the most immoral, unjust, infamous things can be justified and established." Ludwig Feuerbach, philosopher (1804-1872)

"Where there are too many policemen, there is no liberty. Where there are too many soldiers, there is no peace. Where there are too many lawyers, there is no justice." Lin Yutang

"You must learn first to observe the rules faithfully; afterwards, modify them according to your intelligence and capacity. The end of all method is to seem to have no method." Lu Ch'ai (Wang Kai) 17th century Master of Chinese brush painting