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For the most part, we inherit our opinions. We are the heirs of habits and mental customs.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Our beliefs and opinions are largely influenced by those around us and the traditions we inherit.

In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll emphasizes the idea that many of our opinions and mental habits are passed down to us from previous generations and societal norms. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and self-reflection, urging individuals to question inherited beliefs and customs rather than accepting them blindly.

Themes

OpinionsInheritanceHabitsBeliefsTradition

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate about societal norms, this quote could be used to highlight the importance of questioning inherited beliefs.

More from Robert Green Ingersoll

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. . . .
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