Robert G. Ingersoll

Under the influence of art the walls expand, the roof rises, and it becomes a temple.

There is no slavery but ignorance.

Any doctrine that will not bear investigation is not a fit tenant for the mind of an honest man.

There are in nature neither rewards nor punishments, there are consequences.

If a man would follow, today, the teachings of the Old Testament, he would be a criminal. If he would follow strictly the teachings of the New, he would be insane.

Give to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.

I'd rather smoke one cigar than hear two sermons.

In the republic of mediocrity genius is dangerous.

The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.

Courage without conscience is a wild beast.

The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.

I hope there is another life, for I would like to see how things come out in this world when I am dead.

Happiness is not a reward - it is a consequence.Suffering is not a punishment - it is a result.

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments. There are consequences.

Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.

If we are immortal it is a fact in nature, and we are not indebted to priests for it, nor to bibles for it, and it cannot be destroyed by unbelief.

Our hope of immortality does not come from any religions, but nearly all religions come from that hope.