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
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. . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
True loyalty lies in devotion to truth and ideals rather than to individuals.
In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll emphasizes that our primary allegiance should be to truth, duty, and our ideals rather than to individuals, whether they are leaders or deities. He encourages us to prioritize principles and convictions over mere personal loyalty, suggesting that this kind of loyalty elevates our moral standing and enriches our lives.
Themes
LoyaltyTruthIdealsDutyPrinciples
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on civic duty, one might quote Ingersoll to emphasize the importance of truth over blind allegiance.
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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There is no slavery but ignorance.
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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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Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
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