Quote by Spiro T. Agnew
Freedom of speech is useless without freedom of thought. And I fear that the politics of protest is shutting out the process of thought, so necessary to rational discussion. We are faced with the Ten Commandments of Protest:Thou Shalt Not Allow Thy Opponent to Speak. Thou Shalt Not Set Forth a Program of Thine Own. Thou Shalt Not Trust Anybody Over Thirty. Thou Shalt Not Honor Thy Father or Thy Mother. Thou Shalt Not Heed the Lessons of History. Thou Shalt Not Write Anything Longer than a Slogan. Thou Shalt Not Present a Negotiable Demand. Thou Shalt Not Accept Any Establishment Idea. Thou Shalt Not Revere Any but Totalitarian Heroes. Thou Shalt Not Ask Forgiveness for Thy Transgressions, Rather Thou Shalt Demand Amnesty for Them.
Summary
This quote highlights the importance of critical thinking and open dialogue in a society that values freedom of speech. The author expresses concern that contemporary politics of protest may impede the process of thoughtful discussion by imposing a set of rules that limit opposing viewpoints, discourage independent thinking, and reject established ideas. By listing the "Ten Commandments of Protest," the quote suggests that these restrictions undermine rational discourse and hinder the evaluation of historical lessons, personal accountability, and the formation of comprehensive arguments. Ultimately, the quote cautions against sacrificing the freedom to think in the pursuit of freedom of expression.
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