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About this quote

What does it mean?
Barlow calls for universal freedom of expression without coercion or forced conformity.
In plain terms
He wants anyone, anywhere to speak their beliefs safely.
What can you take from it?
Free speech thrives when coercion is removed.

Where it applies

  • human rights advocacy
  • online platforms

Putting it to work

  • protect dissenting voices
  • ensure safe discourse

Questions to consider

  • How to balance free expression with preventing harm?
  • What safeguards are needed for true safety?

Another view

Unrestricted speech can also spread harmful misinformation.

More from John Perry Barlow

  1. We are creating a world that all may enter without privilege or prejudice accorded by race, economic power, military force, or station of birth.

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  2. We will create a civilization of the Mind in Cyberspace. May it be more humane and fair than the world your governments have made before.

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. Among the waves of tragedy which have crashed on me with her death is a terror that our message of hope has been changed into a dreadful warning. But I must te…

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