Robert Green Ingersoll Quotes
A collection of quotes by Robert Green Ingersoll.
Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-1899) was an American lawyer, speaker, and freethinker, commonly known as "The Great Agnostic." Born in Dresden, New York, Ingersoll grew up in a religious household but developed skeptical views about organized religion as he reached adulthood. He became renowned for his persuasive oratory skills, captivating audiences with his speeches that advocated for reason, scientific skepticism, and secular humanism.
As a lawyer, Ingersoll built a successful career, most notably serving as Illinois' Attorney General from 1867 to 1869. However, his true passion lay in public speaking, and he gained widespread popularity for his lectures on a range of topics, including religion, ethics, politics, and women's rights. In these speeches, Ingersoll openly criticized religious dogma, challenging conventional beliefs and advocating for individual freedom of thought.
Ingersoll was a prominent figure during the late 19th century's Golden Age of Freethought, an intellectual movement that rejected religious authority and advocated for the separation of church and state. He believed in the power of reason and humanistic morality and was an ardent supporter of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and equal rights.
Despite facing significant opposition from religious communities, Ingersoll's speaking engagements drew large crowds, and he became one of the most sought-after public speakers of his time. His wit, eloquence, and compelling arguments challenged traditional beliefs, making him a pivotal figure in shaping public opinion and laying the groundwork for the secular humanist movement in the United States.
