And love Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“He was a worshiper of liberty, a friend of the oppressed. A thousand times I have heard him quote these words: 'For Justice all place a temple, and all season, summer.' He believed that happiness is the only good, reason the only torch, justice the only worship, humanity the only religion, and love the only priest. He added to the sum of human joy; and were every one to whom he did some loving service to bring a blossom to his grave, he would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of flowers. . . .”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Liberty, 1885
He champions liberty, justice, happiness, reason, humanity, and love as the highest values, urging service and compassion.
In simple terms: Freedom and love are supreme; serve others.
Key Takeaway
Live with compassion and reason.
Themes
freedom
justice
humanity
love
service
Mood
inspirational
hopeful
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- volunteering
- community building
- education
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy
humanism
ethical idealism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance idealism with real‑world politics?
- What actions embody love as a priest?
A Different Perspective
His idealism may overlook practical constraints of governance.
![“[Robert's eulogy at his brother, Ebon C. Ingersoll's grave. Even the great orator Robert Ingersoll was choked up with tears at the memory of his beloved brother] The record of a generous life runs like a vine around the memory of our dead, and every sweet, unselfish act is now a perfumed flower…” quote by Robert G. Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eff/robert-g-ingersoll-4527_alms_robert-s-eulogy-at-his-brother-ebon-c-in_1639367.jpg)
