John Perry Barlow Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Perry Barlow.

John Perry Barlow was an American poet, essayist, and cyber-libertarian activist, born on October 3, 1947, in Sublette County, Wyoming. He is best known for his influence on internet culture and founding the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Barlow attended Wesleyan University, where he studied comparative religion. After graduating in 1969, he began his career as a cattle rancher in Wyoming. However, he soon immersed himself in the counterculture movement and became involved with the Grateful Dead, a band known for its improvisational rock music. Barlow quickly became the band's lyricist and co-wrote many of their iconic songs.

In the early 1990s, Barlow shifted his focus to the emerging field of cyberspace and digital rights. He co-founded the EFF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending civil liberties in the digital world, advocating for online privacy, and fighting against censorship. Barlow strongly believed in the independence and freedom of the internet.

Throughout his life, Barlow remained a prominent voice in the fight for online civil liberties. He wrote extensively on various topics, including digital rights, copyright issues, and the role of technology in society. His essays inspired many and continue to be influential in shaping discussions surrounding these subjects.

John Perry Barlow passed away on February 7, 2018, leaving behind a powerful legacy as an advocate for freedom of expression and online activism. His contributions to cyber-libertarianism and the protection of civil liberties in the digital age remain highly regarded.

But groundless hope, like unconditional love, is the only ki

But groundless hope, like unconditional love, is the only kind worth having.

John Perry Barlow

Hope

The Internet treats censorship as a malfunction and routes a

The Internet treats censorship as a malfunction and routes around it.

John Perry Barlow

Technology

We will create a civilization of the Mind in Cyberspace. May

We will create a civilization of the Mind in Cyberspace. May it be more humane and fair than the world your governments have made before.

John Perry Barlow

Technology

Royalties are not how most writers or musicians make their l

Royalties are not how most writers or musicians make their living. Musicians by and large make a living with a relationship with an audience that is economically harnessed through performance and ticket sales.

John Perry Barlow

Relationship

In Cyberspace, the 1st Amendment is a local ordinance.

In Cyberspace, the 1st Amendment is a local ordinance.

John Perry Barlow

Internet

Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like as

Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.

John Perry Barlow

Technology

You do not know our culture, our ethics, or the unwritten co

You do not know our culture, our ethics, or the unwritten codes that already provide our society more order than could be obtained by any of your impositions.

John Perry Barlow

Society

They seem to have forgotten that, and are back saying the on

They seem to have forgotten that, and are back saying the only purpose of P2P networks is for illegal trading of owned goods. We claim part of the reason for P2P is for legal trading of what ought to be in public domain. And what is in public domain in many cases.

John Perry Barlow

Legal