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I concluded that all religions had the same foundation - a belief in the supernatural - a power above nature that man could influence by worship - by sacrifice and prayer.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

All religions share a common belief in a higher power that can be influenced through devotion.

In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll expresses the idea that despite the diverse rituals and beliefs across different religions, there is a fundamental unity in their core concept: the recognition of a supernatural force that transcends the natural world. This belief invites individuals to engage with the divine through acts of worship, sacrifice, and prayer, suggesting a shared human inclination toward spirituality and the search for meaning.

Themes

ReligionSupernaturalBeliefWorshipSacrificePrayer

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about the unity of world religions.

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. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead

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