THOMAS HOBBES

Knowledge is derived from sense experience and from reason: From sense experience we derive historical knowledge and prudence, and from reason we derive scientific and philosophical knowledge and wisdom. Scientific or philosophical reason is essentially the same as that which is employed in mathematics, moving from definitions, axioms, and postulates to theorems derived logically from them. Thought, sensation, memory, and imagination are nothing but a motion of some substance inside our heads; they are generally caused by motions of things outside us; consequently, secondary qualities (such as colors) do not exist in things, but are purely mental events caused by minute motions that stimulate our minds to produce certain sensations.
Only matter exists; there is no such thing as a purely spiritual being: This includes God.
Religion arises out of fear, ignorance, and efforts by rulers to maintain their advantage over their subjects. Good and evil are simply what people desire or disl...