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About this quote

What does it mean?
Free speech and open debate are fundamental to a free society.
In plain terms
People must be free to speak openly.
What can you take from it?
Open speech is essential for freedom.

Where it applies

  • governance
  • public discourse
  • community rules

Putting it to work

  • support open forums
  • protect free speech

Questions to consider

  • What limits free speech?
  • Why is open debate important?

Another view

Some speech can cause harm and may need regulation.

More from Adlai Stevenson

  1. We have confused the free with the free and easy.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. She would rather light a candle than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world.

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. The elephant has a thick skin, a head full of ivory, and as everyone who has seen a circus parade knows, proceeds best by grasping the tail of its predecessor.

    Permalink to quote #64

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