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The old doctrine that God wanted man to do something for him, and that he kept a watchful eye upon all the children of men; that he rewarded the virtuous and punished the wicked, is gradually fading from the mind. We know that some of the worst men have what the world calls success. We know that some of the best men lie upon the straw of failure. We know that honesty goes hungry, while larceny sits at the banquet. We know that the vicious have every physical comfort, while the virtuous are often clad in rags.

Robert G. Ingersoll#207

MoralitySufferingSocial critique

About this quote

What does it mean?
Ingersoll argues that the traditional belief in divine justice is fading because reality often shows wicked people succeeding and virtuous people suffering.
In plain terms
People are losing faith in a God who rewards good and punishes bad because the wicked often prosper while the good suffer.
What can you take from it?
Reality often contradicts the idea of a just universe that rewards virtue.

Where it applies

  • discussing the problem of evil
  • observing social inequality
  • challenging religious doctrine

Putting it to work

  • questioning moral absolutism
  • analyzing social structures
  • advocating for justice

Questions to consider

  • Does success always reflect moral worth?
  • How do we find meaning in suffering?

Another view

It generalizes that virtue always leads to failure and vice to success.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. The notion that faith in Christ is to be rewarded by an eternity of bliss, while a dependence upon reason, observation, and experience merits everlasting pain,…

    Permalink to quote #206
  2. The one thing in this world that is constant, the one peak that rises above all clouds, the one window in which the light forever burns, the one star that dark…

    Permalink to quote #208
  3. The more false we destroy the more room there will be for the true.

    Permalink to quote #205

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