The quotations of

Clarence Darrow

American lawyer and politician

1857–1938

18 quotes, most often on Anti-Religion, Freedom and Life & Death.

I don’t believe in God because I don’t believe in Mother Goose.
Speech in Toronto (1930); as quoted in “Breaking the Last Taboo” (1996) by James A. Haught
- Anti-God
True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.
- Justice
- Patriotism
I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure⁠—that is all that agnosticism means.
Scopes Trial, Dayton, Tennessee (13 July 1925)
- God
We know life is futile. A man who considers that his life is of very wonderful importance is awfully close to a padded cell.
- Life & Death
Even if you do learn to speak correct English, whom are you going to speak it to?
- Talking
As long as the world shall last there will be wrongs, and if no man objected and no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever.
Arguments in the Case of the Communist Labor Party (1920), p. 52
- Good & Evil
To think is to differ.
- Thinking
Just think of the tragedy of teaching children not to doubt.
When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.
- Presidency
The fear of God is not the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is the death of wisdom. Skepticism and doubt lead to study and investigation, and investigation is the beginning of wisdom.
Why I Am An Agnostic (1929)
- Anti-Religion
- Wisdom
There is no such thing as justice — in or out of court.
Interview in Chicago (April 1936)
- Justice
The Constitution is a delusion and a snare if the weakest and humblest man in the land cannot be defended in his right to speak and his right to think as much as the strongest in the land.
Arguments in the Case of the Communist Labor Party (1920), p.17
- Freedom
You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.
Arguments in the Case of the Communist Labor Party (1920), p. 39
- Freedom
- Liberty
Chase after the truth like all hell and you’ll free yourself, even though you never touch its coat tails.
The Sign (May 1938)
- Truth & Lies
I had grown tired of standing in the lean and lonely front line facing the greatest enemy that ever confronted man — public opinion.
The Story of My Life (1932), Ch. 27 “The Loeb-Leopold Tragedy”, p. 232
- Enemies

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