--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every pulpit is a pillory, in which…" description: "\"Every pulpit is a pillory, in which stands a hired culprit, defending the justice of his own imprisonment\" — Robert Green Ingersoll" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/robert-green-ingersoll-361_atheism_every-pulpit-is-a-pillory-in-which-stand_2898748.png" --- # Every pulpit is a pillory, in which stands a hired… ![“Every pulpit is a pillory, in which stands a hired culprit, defending the justice of his own imprisonment” quote by Robert Green Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/robert-green-ingersoll-361_atheism_every-pulpit-is-a-pillory-in-which-stand_2898748.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/robert-green-ingersoll-361_atheism_every-pulpit-is-a-pillory-in-which-stand_2898748.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/robert-green-ingersoll-361_atheism_every-pulpit-is-a-pillory-in-which-stand_2898748.png) > “Every pulpit is a pillory, in which stands a hired culprit, defending the justice of his own imprisonment” [Robert Green Ingersoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-green-ingersoll/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A public speaker is often judged harshly, and those who defend controversial ideas become scapegoats. **In simple terms:** Speakers can be vilified for defending unpopular views. Key Takeaway Be aware of bias when judging speakers. Themes speech justice public opinion Mood critical skeptical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - political rallies - courtrooms - media commentary Key Concepts ethics rhetoric censorship Questions to Reflect On - How do you separate the messenger from the message? - When does defending a cause become self‑interest? A Different Perspective Critics may ignore the merit of arguments. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Imprisonment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imprisonment/) [Justice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/justice/) [Positive atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-atheism/) [Pulpit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pulpit/) ## Related quotes > [Clinton, Kennedy, they all carried out mass murder, but they didn't think that that was what they were doing - nor does Bush. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/clinton-kennedy-they-all-carried-out-mass-murder-but-they-didn-t/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [Not one of the orthodox ministers dare preach what he thinks if he knows a majority of his congregation think otherwise. 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