There must be renewed recognition that societies are kept stable and healthy by reform, not by thought police; this means there must be free play for so-called subversive ideas - every idea subverts the old to make way for the new. To shut off subversion is to shut off peaceful progress and to invite revolution and war.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Healthy societies need reform and free expression of even controversial ideas to avoid violent upheaval.
- In plain terms
- Societies stay healthy with reform and free ideas, not by stopping new thoughts.
- What can you take from it?
- Allow free ideas to prevent war.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much free speech is safe?
- Is reform enough?
Another view
Some subversive ideas can be harmful and destabilizing.
More from I. F. Stone
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