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About this quote

What does it mean?
Restricting thought and speech is the most dangerous threat to a free society and national strength.
In plain terms
Stopping people from thinking or talking freely is the biggest danger to America.
What can you take from it?
Guard against any limits on free thought and speech.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • civil liberties advocacy
  • education

Putting it to work

  • defend speech
  • challenge restrictions
  • educate others

Questions to consider

  • What counts as dangerous speech?
  • Who decides limits?

Another view

Sometimes speech can incite immediate violence or harm.

More from William O. Douglas

  1. All executive power - from the reign of ancient kings to the rule of modern dictators - has the outward appearance of efficiency.

    Permalink to quote #9

  2. The Fifth Amendment is an old friend and a good friend. one of the great landmarks in men's struggle to be free of tyranny, to be decent and civilized.

    Permalink to quote #11

  3. The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedom.

    Permalink to quote #8

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