Ashleigh Brilliant

"Theres much to be said for immortality – for example, the saving on funeral expenses. And no more nonsense about "legacies," and about how anything youve accomplished will "live on after you."

"People sometimes ask me what I think of the world today – as if 10,000 published Thoughts do not provide sufficient enlightenment on that subject. But let me not shrink from an honest answer. In world affairs, I am an optimist. Despite attention-grabbing headlines about the latest shocking incidents, and worrisome developments resulting from the fact that nationalism is still trumping internationalism, I believe that overall the people being born today, in whatever countries and circumstances, have a better chance than ever before of living worthwhile lives. At nearly 84, Im sorry science hasnt yet invalidated the concept of mortality – but that, Im sure, is coming. And, in the meantime, as inhabitants of this small planet, perhaps with most of our worst times behind us, Im confident that we can, in general, find much to be thankful for."

"Its been a lifelong problem of mine that those Ive been closest to are the ones Ive had the least influence on. My parents, my sister, my wife, even my cat — or maybe I should say especially my cat — have never really taken me seriously. That may help to explain why I finished up making a career of peddling my thoughts to the world in general. At least the world in general doesnt automatically dismiss anything coming from me, that is, so long as I say it in a neat epigram of 17 words or less."