"There can be but little liberty on earth while men worship a tyrant in heaven"
- Robert G. Ingersoll
About this Quote
This quote by Robert Green Ingersoll speaks to the concept that true liberty can not exist when people are living in fear of a greater power. Ingersoll is suggesting that when individuals are worshipping an autocrat in paradise, they are basically residing in fear of a higher power that is penalizing them for their misdeeds. This fear of punishment can lead to people feeling helpless and not able to make their own choices, hence limiting their liberty. Ingersoll is suggesting that true freedom can only exist when people are totally free to make their own choices without fear of punishment from a higher power. He is likewise recommending that when people are worshipping an autocrat in heaven, they are basically worshipping a false sense of power and control, which can lead to injustice and a lack of flexibility. Ingersoll's quote is a tip that real liberty can just exist when individuals are complimentary to make their own decisions without worry of punishment from a greater power.
"As we read the school reports on our children, we realize a sense of relief that can rise to delight that thank Heaven nobody is reporting in this fashion on us"
"Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows"
"I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything. The sun came up like gold through the trees, and I felt like I was in heaven"