Belief Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“Christianity has such a contemptible opinion of human nature that it does not believe a man can tell the truth unless frightened by a belief in god. No lower opinion of the human race has ever been expressed.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: “The Philosophy of Atheism,” 1885
Human nature is often dismissed as incapable of truth‑seeking without divine fear, a view that undervalues rational morality.
In simple terms: Human morality can exist without fear of God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize human capacity for truth.
Themes
humanism
atheism
morality
philosophy
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- public discourse
- ethical decision‑making
- leadership
Key Concepts
rational ethics
secularism
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societies thrive on secular ethics?
- What evidence supports moral behavior without religion?
A Different Perspective
Some argue moral frameworks need religious grounding.
![“I remember clearly that when I was little it was explained to me [that] the way that babies were made was that God put the baby into some lady's stomach, right? And, at some point, I learned how it really happened, and really that was the beginning of the end of my belief in God. Up until that…” quote by Ira Glass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56a/ira-glass-2464_baby_i-remember-clearly-that-when-i-was-littl_234840.jpg)
