There is no authority in churches or priests - no authority in numbers or majorities. The only authority is Nature - the facts we know. Facts are the masters, the enemies of the ignorant, the servants and friends of the intelligent.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Authority comes from natural facts, not from institutions or majorities; facts serve the intelligent and challenge the ignorant.
- In plain terms
- Nature and facts are the only true authority, not churches or crowds.
- What can you take from it?
- Rely on facts and nature as your authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where does real authority come from?
- How do facts change your views?
Another view
Emotional or spiritual truths may not fit this factual framework.
More from Robert G. Ingersoll
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 hardens the hearts and …
Permalink to quote #215 There will never be a generation of great men until there has been a generation of free women - of free mothers.
Permalink to quote #217 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 a…
Permalink to quote #214
Related quotes
Facts need no pedigree; logic has no heraldry, and the living should not be awed by the mistakes of the dead.
Robert G. IngersollRobert G. Ingersoll quote #108 I am as sober as a judge.
Henry FieldingHenry Fielding quote #1 Facts are stubborn things.
Tobias SmollettTobias Smollett quote #1