Free speech is not to be regulated like diseased cattle and impure butter. The audience that hissed yesterday may applaud today, even for the same performance.

Summary

This quote emphasizes that free speech should not be subject to strict regulation or censorship. It likens regulating free speech to controlling sick animals or impure food products. The quote suggests that the reaction to speech can change unpredictably – an audience that expressed disapproval one day might applaud the same speech the following day. Thus, it conveys the idea that limiting or controlling free speech is unnecessary, as public opinion and reactions can vary greatly over time.

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