Quote by Woodrow Wilson, Speech, 1919
I have always been among those who believed that the greatest freedom of speech was the greatest safety, because if a man is a fool, the best thing to do is to encourage him to advertise the fact by speaking.
Summary
This quote suggests that allowing freedom of speech is actually beneficial because it helps to identify those who hold foolish or misguided ideas. By encouraging individuals with such beliefs to openly express themselves, their lack of wisdom becomes evident and serves as a warning to others. Emphasizing freedom of speech as a form of safety means that society can be better equipped to challenge and critique unfounded or irrational ideas, thus promoting a more informed and enlightened environment.