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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker argues against suppressing literature just because it offends censors.
In plain terms
Offending morals is not a reason to ban books.
What can you take from it?
Censorship based on offense is questionable.

Where it applies

  • book bans
  • freedom debates

Putting it to work

  • opposing censorship

Questions to consider

  • Where do we draw the line on offense?

Another view

Some communities may prioritize morals over expression.

More from William O. Douglas

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  2. No patent medicine was ever put to wider and more varied use than the Fourteenth Amendment.

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  3. It is our attitude toward free thought and free expression that will determine our fate. There must be no limit on the range of temperate discussion, no limits…

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