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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often idolize those who harm them while neglecting true heroes and honest individuals.
This quote reflects on the paradox of human behavior throughout history, where societies tend to glorify those who have caused harm or deceit rather than those who are genuinely virtuous. Ingersoll emphasizes the irony that the very individuals who should be celebrated—the honest and noble—are often overshadowed by those who are destructive and dishonest, highlighting a troubling aspect of human nature and societal values.
Themes
HonorDeceitHuman NatureSocietyMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on morality in society, one might use this quote to highlight how recognition is often misplaced.
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.
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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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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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Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
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