Ben Stein

“We're a lazy, undisciplined generation. I don't exempt myself: I spend way too much, even though I make a good income.”

“Every soul deserves a shot at a Cadillac, but not everyone should be guaranteed a Cadillac.”

“If there is no God, why bother to tell the truth? Why not steal?”

“The people who did the collateralized mortgage obligations, sold them to pension funds, then sold them short, then bought credit default swap insurance on them, are just amazing. They are a law unto themselves.”

“Academic freedom is being lost by a great many people who dare to challenge Darwinism. That's a terrifying situation. That's contrary to the principles of science.”

“It's a great stretch for me to do my game show. It's very hard. It's not me at all. The only part that's me is sort of when I'm sitting in the booth looking tormented. That's the only part that's the real me.”

“If there is no God, then man sometimes thinks he is god, and sometimes tries to live like a god.”

“Yes, Americans can still get credit for cars and trucks and refrigerators, and those businesses are doing well. But just try to get a home loan now.”

“It isn't the rich people's fault that poor people are poor. Poor people who get an education and work hard in this country will stop being poor. That should be the goal for all poor people everywhere.”

“The sad fact is that spending rises every year, no matter what people want or say they want.”

“I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.”

“The banks are not lending, at least from what I see. They were so wild and reckless back in the good times that they got burned terribly.”

“If there's a recession, I'd buy stocks. That's when you make money: when markets are spooked.”

“I don't believe the most successful people are the ones who got the best grades, got into the best schools, or made the most money.”

“I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it sis my duty ... This is my highest and best use as a human.”

“I don't like the sound of all the lists he's making.”

“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want.”

“I'm not a Mensa member. I have no idea where that rumor came from. I never have been, and I doubt if I ever will be.”

“My pals, such as they are, in Hollywood, ask me why I love to travel to D.C. so much, why it's a vacation destination for me. I say, 'Because I sometimes have perfect days there.'”

“I always assumed scientists were free to ask any question, pursue any line of inquiry without fear or reprisal.”