By: Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899)
In this insightful lecture, Robert G. Ingersoll explores the life and works of Ernest Renan, a prominent French philosopher and historian of the 19th century. Ingersoll admires Renan's intellectual courage and his ability to challenge established religious beliefs, particularly in his controversial work on the life of Jesus. Renan's emphasis on the importance of reason and scientific inquiry in understanding the world resonates with Ingersoll, who himself was a staunch advocate for free thought and skepticism. Ingersoll's analysis of Renan's ideas is both thorough and engaging, making this lecture a fascinating read for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, philosophy, and history. Overall, Ingersoll's tribute to Renan serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of critical thinking and intellectual independence.Book Description: Col. Ingersoll begins his lectures on famous people as follows: "It is hard to overstate the debt we owe to the men and women of genius. Take from our world what they have given, and all the niches would be empty, all the walls naked—meaning and connection would fall from words of poetry and fiction, music would go back to common air, and all the forms of subtle and enchanting Art would lose proportion and become the unmeaning waste and shattered spoil of thoughtless Chance." One of the most famous orators of his day, a contemporary and personal friend of Mark Twain and General Grant, Ingersoll's lectures on famous people in this series include: SHAKESPEARE, ROBERT BURNS, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VOLTAIRE, WALT WHITMAN; followed by inspiring speeches on THE GREAT INFIDELS; WHICH WAY? ; and ABOUT THE HOLY BIBLE.
Each lecture in Volume 3, plus 2 lectures on HUMBOLDT and THOMAS PAINE from Volume 1, and an essay on ERNEST RENAN from Volume 11 , are presented on as a separate audiobook in the series called Ingersoll Lectures, Famous People.
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