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
If the reason I give is a good one, you will act upon it. If it is a bad one I cannot make it better by piling epithet upon epithet. There is no logic in abuse; there is no argument in an epithet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The effectiveness of an argument depends on its merit, not on the manner in which it is presented.
In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll emphasizes that a strong and valid reason is all that is needed for someone to take action. He argues that abusive language or excessive labeling only detracts from the argument, making it less logical and more emotional, which ultimately fails to persuade. This serves as a reminder to focus on clear, sound reasoning rather than resorting to name-calling or emotional outbursts when trying to convince others.
Themes
ReasonArgumentAbuseEpithetsLogicPersuasion
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate club meeting when discussing the importance of respectful argument.
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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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. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead
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