Clarence Darrow quotes

Clarence Darrow was an influential American lawyer and leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Known for defending unpopular clients and advocating for civil rights, he played a prominent role in such famous cases as the Scopes “Monkey” Trial and the Leopold and Loeb case. He became a symbol of progressive thought and the fight for social justice in American law. Here are 103 of his quotes:

The first half of our lives are ruined by our parents and the second half by our children.

Clarence Darrow

Even if you do learn to speak correct English, whom are you going to speak it to?

Clarence Darrow

I have suffered from being misunderstood, but I would have suffered a hell of a lot more if I had been understood.

Clarence Darrow

I have never killed any one, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction.

Clarence Darrow

When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President. I'm beginning to believe it.

Clarence Darrow

Chase after the truth like all hell and you'll free yourself, even though you never touch its coat tails.

Clarence Darrow

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.

Clarence Darrow

You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom.

Clarence Darrow

I don't believe in God because I don't believe in Mother Goose.

Clarence Darrow

The world is made up for the most part of morons and natural tyrants, sure of themselves, strong in their own opinions, never doubting anything.

Clarence Darrow

I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of.

Clarence Darrow

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.

Clarence Darrow

Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for.

Clarence Darrow

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.

Clarence Darrow

There is no such thing as justice - in or out of court.

Clarence Darrow

Calvin Coolidge was the greatest man who ever came out of Plymouth Corner, Vermont.

Clarence Darrow

In the great flood of human life that is spawned upon the earth, it is not often that a man is born.

Clarence Darrow

I had grown tired of standing in the lean and lonely front line facing the greatest enemy that ever confronted man - public opinion.

Clarence Darrow

I don't like spinach, and I'm glad I don't, because if I liked it I'd eat it, and I just hate it.

Clarence Darrow

Just think of the tragedy of teaching children not to doubt.

Clarence Darrow

You can only be free if I am free.

Clarence Darrow

The truth is always modern and there never comes a time when it is safe to give it voice.

Clarence Darrow