“But those who are incapable ofpitying animals are, as a matter of fact, incapable of pitying men.A physician who would cut a living rabbit in pieces -- laying barethe nerves, denuding them with knives, pulling them out withforceps -- would not hesitate to try experiments with men and womenfor the gratification of his curiosity.”

American lawyer, writer, and orator

Robert Green Ingersoll, known as “the Great Agnostic,” was an American lawyer, writer, and orator in the Golden Age of Free Thought. He became known for defending agnosticism in public life. He argued forcefully for free inquiry and skepticism, and his reputation rested as much on his speaking as on his writing. His work is associated with the broader free thought movement, where he stood out as a prominent advocate for agnostic ideas.