I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
Robert Green IngersollRead
The Church says the Earth is flat. But I know that it is round. For I have seen the shadow on the Moon. And I have more faith in a shadow than in the Church.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of personal experience and observation over dogmatic beliefs.
In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll expresses skepticism towards the authoritative claims of the Church regarding the shape of the Earth, arguing instead for the value of empirical evidence and personal observation. He highlights how his firsthand experience of seeing the shadow of the Earth on the Moon leads him to trust in what he understands rather than the unverified statements of religious authority. This reflects a broader theme of valuing reason and scientific inquiry over blind faith.
Themes
FaithEvidenceTruthScienceBeliefSkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on science versus religion, this quote can serve to illustrate the value of evidence-based belief.
More from Robert Green Ingersoll
All quotes →If the guardians of society, the protectors of 'young persons,' could have had their way, we should have known nothing of Byron or Shelley. The voices that thrill the world would now be silent.
Robert Green IngersollRead
The religion that has to be supported by law is without value, not only, but a fraud and a curse. The religious argument that has to be supported by a musket is hardly worth making.
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There is no slavery but ignorance.
Robert Green IngersollRead
In all ages the people have honored those who dishonored them. They have worshiped their destroyers; they have canonized the most gigantic liars, and buried the great thieves in marble and gold. Under the loftiest monuments sleeps the dust of murder.
Robert Green IngersollRead
I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead
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