Paulo Coelho Quotes

In novels in general - and also on the television - we do live in a world where bodies is what we are. We do not talk about the spirit or the soul, and there is a sense that we no longer talk about beliefs, either Freudian or Marxist.

Once you touch the biographies of human beings, the notion that political beliefs are logically determined collapses like a pricked balloon.

Man can believe the impossible, but man can never believe the improbable.

Let me make the superstitions of a nation and I care not who makes its laws …

One man with beliefs is equal to a thousand with only interests.

Religion, superstition, oaths, education, laws, all give way before passions, interest, and power.

The opinions of people are determined by their interests.

Are not Religion & Politics the Same Thing?

Ultimately, the core premise of 'American Gods' is, 'What do you believe?' And how your beliefs can be manifested into reality.

In our country are evangelists and zealots of many different political, economic and religious persuasions whose fanatical conviction is that all thought is divinely classified into two kinds -- that which is their own and that which is false and dangerous.

Politics and the fate of mankind are shaped by men without ideals and without greatness. Men who have greatness within them don’t go far in politics.

We are all missionaries (propagandists of our views). Each of us disapproves of the other missionaries.

If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope.

Opinions, when merely true, move slowly; but when approved, acquire proclivity.

Do not believe just because you want to believe.

There are no civilians in 21st-century warfare because the hottest battlefield is the public mind. The front runs between your ears, between your neighbor’s, between mine. The enemy’s objective (and the enemies are numerous) is to capture our thoughts and convictions. Belief is an immensely potent prize.

Most people can bear adversity; but if you wish to know what a man really is give him power.|

It might be a very human thing across the board, but we, in America, love a story - we need a story to get involved in. But then everything becomes more about how the story protects a certain perception as we pick sides.

Diplomats bluster and bluff, but democracies don't really have that many tools they can use to push back, effectively, against the seductive ideas of dictators.

I'm fascinated by the business of belief, obviously, because it's so ever present with humanity anyway. And, you know, when you have science, which constantly talks of proofs, you have religion, which constantly talks of beliefs and faith and so on.

Human beings are fascinating with religion and stories about not dying. Or dying and being brought back to life. I think it's just part of our make up.

Men are strong so long as they represent a strong idea they become powerless when they oppose it.

I think politics is really important to our lives. At its best and highest form, it can make the biggest difference in the world and at its worst, it is the worst skullduggery on planet Earth.

Actually, no one is born honest or corrupt.

Our ideological dilemmas won't ever be solved by machines.