“No one, in the world's whole history, ever attempted to substantiate a truth by a miracle. Truth scorns the assistance of miracle. Nothing but falsehood ever attested itself by signs and wonders. No miracle ever was performed, and no sane man ever thought he had performed one, and until one is performed, there can be no evidence of the existence of any power superior to, and independent of nature.”

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.