Banquets Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“The old doctrine that God wanted man to do something for him, and that he kept a watchful eye upon all the children of men; that he rewarded the virtuous and punished the wicked, is gradually fading from the mind. We know that some of the worst men have what the world calls success. We know that some of the best men lie upon the straw of failure. We know that honesty goes hungry, while larceny sits at the banquet. We know that the vicious have every physical comfort, while the virtuous are often clad in rags.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Religion and Morality, 1880s
Traditional belief that divine justice rewards virtue and punishes vice is eroding; reality shows success often goes to the immoral while the honest suffer.
In simple terms: Divine justice is not reliable; success and suffering are not moral indicators.
Key Takeaway
Don’t rely on moral expectations of fate; act ethically regardless of outcomes.
Themes
justice
morality
success
honesty
inequality
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- personal relationships
- political activism
- philanthropy
- career choices
Key Concepts
theology
social critique
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define success beyond moral judgments?
- What role should personal integrity play when outcomes seem unfair?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that many people find meaning and community through faith despite apparent injustices.
