I was irrevocably betrothed to laughter, the sound of which has always seemed to me the most civilised music in the world.

Corruption is nature's way of restoring our faith in democracy.

The habit of religion is oppressive, an easy way out of thought.

I am an optimist, unrepentant and militant. After all, in order not to be a fool an optimist must know how sad a place the world can be. It is only the pessimist who finds this out anew every day.

The truth is an ambition which is beyond us.