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Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899) is one of the great lost figures in United States history, all but forgotten at just the time America needs him most. An outspoken and unapologetic agnostic, fervent champion of the separation of church and state, and tireless advocate of the rights of women and African Americans, he drew enormous audiences in the late nineteenth century with his lectures on "freethought." His admirers included Mark Twain and Thomas A. Edison, who said Ingersoll had "all the attributes of a perfect man" and went so far as to make an early recording of Ingersoll's voice. This new collection of Ingersoll's thought promises to put Ingersoll back where he belongs, in the forefront of independent American thought.--From publisher description.… (more)
Characteristic Ingersoll, as the great orator takes on the question of God and politics. He comes down heavily on the side of keeping God firmly separated from the political scene, which should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Colonel's writings. Definitely a must read for anyone currently involved in the church/state debate, if only to emphasize that the arguments on the side of the evangelicals have not changed or evolved in any way, but have in fact been answered and dismissed before. ( )
While I am opposed to all orthodox creeds, I have a creed myself; and my creed is this. 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. This creed is somewhat short, but it is long enough for this life, strong enough for this world. If there is another world, when we get there, we can make another creed. But this creed certaintly will do for this life. - Robert Green Ingersoll, 1882
Dedication
First words
One hundred years ago, our fathers retired the gods from politics.
Quotations
Last words
"....But , after all father, don't you think the arrangement is a little tough on the fish?"
Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899) is one of the great lost figures in United States history, all but forgotten at just the time America needs him most. An outspoken and unapologetic agnostic, fervent champion of the separation of church and state, and tireless advocate of the rights of women and African Americans, he drew enormous audiences in the late nineteenth century with his lectures on "freethought." His admirers included Mark Twain and Thomas A. Edison, who said Ingersoll had "all the attributes of a perfect man" and went so far as to make an early recording of Ingersoll's voice. This new collection of Ingersoll's thought promises to put Ingersoll back where he belongs, in the forefront of independent American thought.--From publisher description.
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Wikipedia in English
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