Quote by William Cullen Bryant, defending
The right to discuss freely and openly, by speech, by the pen, by the press, all political questions, and to examine and animadvert (speak out) upon all political institutions, is a right so clear and certain, so interwoven with our other liberties, so necessary, in fact to their existence, that without it we must fall at once into depression or anarchy. To say that he who holds unpopular opinions must hold them at the peril of his life, and that, if he expresses them in public, he has only himself to blame if they who disagree with him should rise and put him to death, is to strike at all rights, all liberties, all protection of the laws, and to justify and extenuate all crimes.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and expression in a democratic society. It argues that the ability to openly discuss and criticize political topics and institutions is fundamental to the existence of other liberties and is essential for preventing social upheaval or chaos. Furthermore, it condemns the notion that individuals should be subjected to violence or harm for holding unpopular opinions or expressing them publicly, stating that such a belief undermines rights, freedoms, and the rule of law, thereby encouraging and justifying acts of wrongdoing.
Topics
Speech (freedom Of)
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