The tides and currents of the soul care nothing for the creeds. People who make rules for the conduct of others generally break them themselves. It is so easy to bear with fortitude the misfortunes of others.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ingersoll notes that inner convictions often ignore strict creeds, and criticizes hypocrites who judge others' misfortunes while being lenient with their own.
- In plain terms
- People follow their own feelings more than rules, and judge others unfairly.
- What can you take from it?
- Judge yourself as harshly as you judge others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you quick to judge others?
- What rules do you break yourself?
Another view
Sometimes rules are necessary to protect the vulnerable.
More from Robert G. Ingersoll
The real searcher after truth will not receive the old because it is old, or reject the new because it is new. He will not believe men because they are dead, o…
Permalink to quote #211 The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.
Permalink to quote #213 The real marriage is based on mutual affection - the ceremony is but the outward evidence of the inward flame. To this contract there are but two parties. The …
Permalink to quote #210
Related quotes
There are many who are hypocrites although they think they are not, and there are many who are afraid of being hypocrites although they certainly are not. Whic…
Walter HiltonWalter Hilton quote #7 'At times those who do not want to have their inconsistencies pointed out say in a super-sweet voice to me 'Judge not, lest ye be judged.' I reply 'O.K., judge…
Ammon HennesseyAmmon Hennessey quote #10 Whenever you encounter truth, look upon it as Christianity.
Desiderius ErasmusDesiderius Erasmus quote #19