I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
Robert Green IngersollRead
It cannot be said too often that actions are good or bad in the light of consequences, and that a clear perception of consequences would control actions. That which increases the sum of human happiness is moral; and that which diminishes the sum of human happiness is immoral. . . . Blind, unreasoning obedience is the enemy of morality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Moral actions should be judged by their consequences, and blind obedience undermines true morality.
In this quote, Ingersoll emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions in determining their moral value. He argues that actions that enhance human happiness are moral, while those that decrease it are immoral, suggesting that true morality requires conscious awareness and thoughtful consideration rather than blind adherence to rules or authority.
Themes
MoralityHappinessConsequencesObedienceActions
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on ethical decision-making, this quote can emphasize the importance of considering the outcomes of actions.
More from Robert Green Ingersoll
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The religion that has to be supported by law is without value, not only, but a fraud and a curse. The religious argument that has to be supported by a musket is hardly worth making.
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In all ages the people have honored those who dishonored them. They have worshiped their destroyers; they have canonized the most gigantic liars, and buried the great thieves in marble and gold. Under the loftiest monuments sleeps the dust of murder.
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I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
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