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
Years should not be devoted to the acquisition of dead languages or to the study of history which, for the most part, is a detailed account of things that never occurred. It is useless to fill the individual with dates of great battles, with the births and deaths of kings. They should be taught the philosophy of history, the growth of nations, of philosophies, theories, and, above all, of the sciences.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles and growth of knowledge rather than merely memorizing facts.
In this quote, Robert Green Ingersoll critiques traditional education that focuses on rote memorization of historical facts and events, which he considers largely irrelevant. He advocates for an approach that prioritizes the philosophy behind history and the development of ideas, nations, and sciences, suggesting that true education should equip individuals with critical thinking and an understanding of progress rather than just a collection of dates and figures.
Themes
EducationHistoryPhilosophySciencesKnowledgeCritical Thinking
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about educational reform, one might quote Ingersoll to advocate for a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking.
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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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. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead
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