“Religions are founded by what mystics say when they come back;but what the mystics say is not the same as what happened to them.”

“A mystic doesn’t say “I believe.” They say “I know.” A true mystic will ironically speak with that self-confidence but at the same time with a kind of humility. So when you see that combination of calm self-confidence, certitude, and humility all at the same time you have the basis for mysticism in general.”

“My religion is nature. That’s what arouses those feelings of wonder and mysticism and gratitude in me.”

“Religion is nothing but institutionalized mysticism. The catch is, mysticism does not lend itself to institutionalization. The moment we attempt to organize mysticism, we destroy its essence. Religion, then, is mysticism in which the mystical has been killed. Or, at least diminished.”

“Misfortune draws people to religion and mysticism”

“Still, who could say what men ever were looking for? They looked for what they found; they knew what pleased them only when they saw it.”