We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still. (p. 24)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We can never be sure an opinion we suppress is false, and suppressing it is still harmful even if it were.
- In plain terms
- Censorship is always wrong because we might be suppressing the truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Never suppress opinions since we cannot be certain of absolute truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can we ever know absolute truth?
- When if censorship become necessary?
Another view
Some harmful speech (e.g. incitement to violence) may warrant restriction.
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