Benjamin Franklin Quotes

The nation relies upon public discussion as one of the indispensable means to attain correct solutions to problems of social welfare. Curtailment of free speech limits this open discussion. Our whole history teaches that adjustment of social relations through reason is possible when free speech is maintained.

Society needs a couple of vents that say what you're not supposed to say.

No errors of opinion can possibly be dangerous in a country where opinion is left free to grapple with them.

The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum.

I believe in a free market of ideas and not shying away from debate.

Maybe politically it wasn't wise but when people have different view points I think the public has a right to hear it and the public has a right to make decisions based on those view points.

The secular argument, or the liberal argument, is to as much as possible remove taboos so things do not become unmentionable; to let some air into the discussion.

If you have an open society that what happens—people say things and they criticize you.

The public use of man's reason must always be free, and it alone can cause enlightenment.

When we speak freely, let us speak plainly, for plain speech is wholesome; especially, plain speech about public affairs and public men.

[There exists a] profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials.

I'm a great believer in freedom of speech.

The foundation of our democracy is the ability to have a debate about any subject. That is why I am so committed to defending free speech.

American democracy is greater with free speech and open dialogue.

While people can differ on the issues, no one should seek to discourage freedom of speech.

My view is, let's not shut down anyone's right to speak, let's meet their comments with more speech.

I can tell you that there are lots of ways for people to express their views and their disagreements. For me, the idea of doing it through an anonymous op-ed is about the furthest thing from my mind.

A society is healthy only when it allows its members to discuss their thoughts openly. This is also the only way that a society can gather consensus, let everyone express his or her wish, and foster creativity.

If human rights are supposed to have any meaning, then they have to be discussed openly.

The first principle of a free society is an untrammeled flow of words in an open forum.

In the most civilized and progressive countries freedom of discussion is recognized as a fundamental principle.

Our society covers these problems with a veil. All I want is an open discussion

Democracy is about criticism.

In order to have a society in which public issues can be openly and vigorously debated, it is not necessary to allow the brutalization of innocent victims.

When men are brought face to face with their opponents, forced to listen and learn and mend their ideas, they cease to be children and savages and begin to live like civilized men. Then only is freedom a reality, when men may voice their opinions because they must examine their opinions.