Superstition and Other Essays (Hardcover)

by Robert G. Ingersoll (Author) "FOR the most part we inherit our opinions..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Testament, Holy Ghost, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Ingersoll on Truth:
"Each mind has the right to lift all curtains, withdraw all veils, scale all walls, explore all recesses, all heights, all depths for itself, in spite of church or priest, or creed or book."

Ingersoll on Religion:
"Religion can never reform mankind because religion is slavery. It is far better to be free, to leave the forts and barricades of fear, to stand erect and face the future, with a smile."

Ingersoll on Superstition:
"Now no man in whose brain the torch of reason burns, no man who investigates, who really thinks, who is capable of weighing evidence, believes in signs, in lucky or unlucky numbers."

Ingersoll on the Bible as a moral guide:
"We cannot depend on what are called 'inspired books,' or the religions of the world. These religions are based on the supernatural, and according to them we are under obligation to worship and obey some supernatural being, or beings. All these religions are inconsistent with intellectual liberty. They are the enemies of thought, of investigation, of mental honesty."

From the Inside Flap
Civil War veteran, successful lawyer, spellbinding orator, and controversial iconoclast, Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) was one of the best-known intellectuals of the nineteenth century. HE rose to national prominence through his oratorical skills, which he publicly displayed on numerous lecture circuit tours. For almost twenty years this dedicated popularizer of progressive thinking and staunch critic of superstition would regularly address huge audiences, opening their minds to ideas that often provoked guarded whispers in private. Ingersoll was a man far ahead of his time, who advocated agnosticism, birth control, voting rights for women, the advancement of science, and civil rights for all races. Though eloquent on a wide variety of topics, he became most famous, and notorious, for his provocative lectures questioning the traditional, Bible-based Christian worldview of the age.

In this volume are collected his best-known lectures on religion, the Bible, morality, and related subjects. In the first essay, Ingersoll sets out "Why I Am an Agnostic." He next explores humankind's search for "The Truth." In "What Is Religion?" he details its effect on people and whether humanity can reform without religion. He next explains what "Superstition" is and what harm it does, and how rational beings overcome it. The positive things nonbelievers have contributed to society are highlighted in "What Infidels Have Done." Ingersoll recommends intelligence in "What Should You Substitute for the Bible?" In the next essay he states that the "Crumbling Creeds" of religious authority are passing away as humans become more enlightened. "The Liberty of Man, Woman, and Child" is brought about by intellectual development. The final essay is Ingersoll's gentle testimony to the power of "Love."

This outstanding collection is indispensable for freethinkers, humanists, and open-minded people of all persuasions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 169 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591021707
• ISBN-13: 978-1591021704
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,255,282 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Forgotten giant., April 16, 2006

By	Michael G. "mikefromrochester" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) was a giant of his time. Sadly, his life and work are known to only a few today. Even the most educated among us are unlikely to have ever heard of him. Ingersoll was many things: skilled lawyer, dynamic orator, progressive Republican and proud religious agnostic. Perhaps more importantly, he was a loving husband and father and a kind and gentle man.
His advice and counsel were sought by many Presidents and would be Presidents. Aside from a stint as Illinois Attorney General, he never held public office himself. His outspoken disavowal of his Christian background rendered him unelectable.
Yet thousands would happily flock to hear his fiery and riveting oratory as he travelled widely expounding on a number of topics. It has been said that in the pre-phonographic era his voice was heard by more Americans than that of any other individual.

This slim volume gives the reader a sampling of a few of Ingersoll's essays and speeches. Each is artfully written and together they illustrate his love of truth and beauty and his uncompromising hatred for unnecessary suffering, ignorance and hypocrisy. Perhaps the best selection is the first, entitled Why I am an Agnostic.

Ingersoll was ahead of his time and now, more than 100 years after his death, it is apparent he was ahead of our time as well. I can honestly say he is the only historical figure I have wished I could have met. For a thorough introduction to the life and humanistic philosophy of Robert G. Ingersoll, I suggest reading Robert G. Ingersoll, a Life by Frank Smith.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Good Read From an American Great, February 20, 2006

By	E Neel (Houston TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Read this over a couple weekends during semesters. Ingersoll is a very 'fluid' author, his use of simple language helps the reader move through his texts very quickly while still retaining his message. Whether one hates his ideas or not the fact that he knows how to use the English language well cannot be diputed. Highly recommend this book.