Robert Williger

“From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step.”
― Denis Diderot, Essai sur le mérite et la vertu

“Either God can do nothing to stop catastrophes like this, or he doesn't care to, or he doesn’t exist. God is either impotent, evil, or imaginary. Take your pick, and choose wisely.

The only sense to make of tragedies like this is that terrible things can happen to perfectly innocent people. This understanding inspires compassion.

Religious faith, on the other hand, erodes compassion. Thoughts like, 'this might be all part of God’s plan,' or 'there are no accidents in life,' or 'everyone on some level gets what he or she deserves' - these ideas are not only stupid, they are extraordinarily callous. They are nothing more than a childish refusal to connect with the suffering of other human beings. It is time to grow up and let our hearts break at moments like this.”
― Sam Harris

“A nation which thinks that it is belief in God and not good law which makes people honest does not seem to me very advanced.”
― Denis Diderot

“All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone's feelings.”
― Denis Diderot