Richard Dawkins

The theory of evolution by natural selection is the only game in town, the only theory we have that is capable of explaining the complexity of life.

To be an atheist is to be a rational human being.

The more we understand about the universe, the less need there is for God.

The purpose of life is to propagate DNA.

The idea of a 'soul' is a pre-scientific superstition.

There's no reason to believe that the universe was designed for us.

The only way to deal with an unprovable claim is to ignore it.

We are all just machines, albeit very complicated ones.

The universe is a cold, hard, indifferent place.

The concept of 'original sin' is morally repugnant.

Science is the only way to truly understand the world.

The human brain is a product of evolution, not divine design.

There is no evidence for an afterlife.

The idea of 'intelligent design' is a thinly veiled attempt to smuggle creationism into science.

We should teach children to think for themselves, not to believe what they are told.

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

The burden of proof lies with the person making the claim.

The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.

DNA neither cares nor knows. DNA just is. And we dance to its music.

The total amount of suffering per year in the natural world is beyond all decent contemplation. During the minute it takes me to compose this sentence, thousands of animals are being eaten alive; others are running for their lives, whimpering with fear; others are being slowly devoured from within by rasping parasites; thousands of all kinds are dying of starvation, thirst and disease.