Meaning: This quote by Robert Ingersoll, a 19th-century American lawyer and orator, reflects his skepticism and rationalist approach to truth and reality. In these lines, Ingersoll emphasizes the inherent veracity and self-consistency of facts, while casting doubt on the credibility of miracles and falsehoods.

In the first part of the quote, Ingersoll asserts that a fact never forms a partnership with a miracle. This statement underscores his belief in the dichotomy between factual evidence and miraculous or supernatural occurrences. Ingersoll's perspective aligns with the principles of rationalism, which prioritizes reason and empirical evidence over unverifiable or supernatural claims. By positioning facts in opposition to miracles, he underscores his skepticism towards extraordinary claims that lack empirical support.

The second part of the quote emphasizes the self-consistency and universal applicability of facts. Ingersoll states that a fact will fit every other fact in the universe, serving as a litmus test for its veracity. This assertion aligns with the scientific method, which relies on the coherence and consistency of empirical evidence to establish the truth. By highlighting the compatibility and universality of facts, Ingersoll underscores their reliability and objectivity as compared to subjective or unverifiable claims.

Moreover, Ingersoll contrasts facts with lies, asserting that a lie will not fit anything except another lie. This statement underscores the self-contained and deceptive nature of falsehoods, which lack the coherence and compatibility of factual evidence. Ingersoll's portrayal of lies as inherently incongruent and incompatible reinforces his skepticism towards untruthful or misleading assertions.

Overall, Ingersoll's quote encapsulates his rationalist worldview, emphasizing the primacy of factual evidence and skepticism towards miraculous or unverifiable claims. His emphasis on the consistency and compatibility of facts reflects his commitment to empirical evidence and rational inquiry. Furthermore, his portrayal of lies as inherently deceptive and incompatible underscores his skepticism towards untruthful assertions.

Ingersoll's perspective on truth and falsehood continues to resonate in contemporary discourse, particularly in the context of debates surrounding scientific evidence, skepticism, and the veracity of extraordinary claims. His emphasis on the self-consistency and universality of facts serves as a reminder of the importance of empirical evidence and critical thinking in discerning truth from falsehood.

In conclusion, Robert Ingersoll's quote encapsulates his rationalist perspective on truth and falsehood, highlighting the inherent veracity and self-consistency of facts while casting doubt on the credibility of miracles and lies. His emphasis on the compatibility and coherence of factual evidence reflects his commitment to empirical inquiry and skepticism towards unverifiable claims. Ingersoll's quote continues to serve as a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of truth and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims and evidence.