I believe that religion, generally speaking, has been a curse to mankind that its modest and greatly overestimated services on the ethical side have been more than overcome by the damage it has done to clear and honest thinking.I believe that no discovery of fact, however trivial, can be wholly useless to the race, and that no trumpeting of falsehood, however virtuous in intent, can be anything but vicious.I believe that the evidence for immortality is no better than the evidence of witches, and deserves no more respect.I believe in the complete freedom of thought and speech alike for the humblest man and the mightiest, and in the utmost freedom of conduct that is consistent with living in organized society.I believe in the capacity of man to conquer his world, and to find out what it is made of, and how it is run.I believe in the reality of progress.I But the whole thing, after all, may be put very simply. I believe that it is better to tell the truth than to lie. I believe that it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe that it is better to know than be ignorant.
belief capacity conquer curse damage discovery ethics evidence fact falsehood free freedom freedom-of-speech freedom-of-thought honesty humble ignorance immorality intent know knowledge lie mankind mighty progress reality religion respect slave society speech thinking thought truth vicious virtuous witches
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About This Quote

About H.L. Mencken

H.L. Mencken was a 19th-century American journalist and writer. Henry Louis Mencken was an American journalist, essayist, satirist, cultural critic, and scholar of American English. He commented widely on the social scene, literature, music, prominent politicians, and contemporary movements. Read more on Wikipedia →

Themes

  • Freedom — The value of liberty, independence, and self-determination
  • Knowledge — The pursuit of learning, understanding, and intellectual growth
  • Religion — Exploring belief systems, worship, and spiritual practice
  • Truth — Meditations on honesty, authenticity, and the search for truth

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