Quote #214

The truth is, that no one can justly be held responsible for his thoughts. The brain thinks without asking our consent. We believe, or we disbelieve, without an effort of the will. Belief is a result. It is the effect of evidence upon the mind. The scales turn in spite of him who watches. There is no opportunity of being honest or dishonest in the formation of an opinion. The conclusion is entirely independent of desire. We must believe, or we must doubt, in spite of what we wish.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.
  2. There are no Gods, no angels, no devils, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that har…
  3. The tides and currents of the soul care nothing for the creeds. People who make rules for the conduct of others generally break them themse…
  4. There is no authority in churches or priests - no authority in numbers or majorities. The only authority is Nature - the facts we know. Fac…
  5. 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 beca…
  6. There will never be a generation of great men until there has been a generation of free women - of free mothers.
  7. The real marriage is based on mutual affection - the ceremony is but the outward evidence of the inward flame. To this contract there are b…
  8. They say that God says to me, 'Forgive your enemies.' I say, 'I do'; but he says, 'I will damn mine.' God should be consistent. If he wants…

All Robert G. Ingersoll quotes