"Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself"

Robert G. Ingersoll’s words call for a profound embrace of empathy, equality, and universal human rights. The message insists upon a moral consistency—what one finds valuable and necessary for oneself must also be unreservedly granted to everyone else. Claiming rights such as liberty, dignity, security, or opportunity for oneself, while denying them to others, demonstrates hypocrisy and undermines the very principle of justice. By urging individuals to extend their claims for rights universally, Ingersoll articulates a foundation for ethical societal relationships and the construction of fair laws.

This perspective challenges people to reflect upon their attitudes about freedom, justice, and privilege. It serves as a reminder that the fight for individual rights is intrinsically linked to collective wellbeing. If someone desires freedom of expression, then respect for that freedom must be afforded to all—not just those with whom one agrees or identifies. Similarly, the desire for safety, respect, and opportunity can only be legitimate if those same conditions are offered to others, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or social status.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the inherent dignity of each individual, suggesting that rights are not negotiable favors, but innate entitlements. Such an ethic dismisses chauvinism, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, denouncing any system that creates arbitrary tiers of entitlement. Ingersoll’s call pushes beyond passive tolerance, advocating for active recognition and support of others' rights as fervently as one would defend their own. The guiding implication is a society where compassion and justice prevail, a community where strength is built upon mutual respect rather than dominance. Ultimately, adherence to this principle creates the conditions for peace and progress, as it roots every claim to justice in a shared humanity.