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Single Idea 20009
[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 3. Free speech
]
Full Idea
If a state is to enjoy and preserve liberty, everyone must be able to say what he thinks. In a free state, therefore, a citizen may speak and write anything not expressly forbidden by the laws.
Gist of Idea
Freedom of speech and writing, within the law, is essential to preserve liberty
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 19.27)
Book Ref
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.222
A Reaction
A commonplace now, but fairly bold then. I blame Freeborn John Lilburne for wild ideas like these.
The
16 ideas
with the same theme
[extent to which opinions can be freely expressed]:
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1766
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Diogenes said that the most excellent thing among men was freedom of speech
[Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
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20481
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Nothing we say can be worse than unsaying it in the face of authority
[Montaigne]
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19942
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Treason may be committed as much by words as by deeds
[Spinoza]
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20009
|
Freedom of speech and writing, within the law, is essential to preserve liberty
[Montesquieu]
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2233
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No government has ever suffered by being too tolerant of philosophy
[Hume]
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21058
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Enlightenment requires the free use of reason in the public realm
[Kant]
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19859
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Free speech is very precious, and everyone may speak and write freely (but take responsibility for it)
[Mirabeau/committee]
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21487
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The freedom of the press to sell poison outweighs its usefulness
[Schopenhauer]
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7213
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Liberty arises at the point where people can freely and equally discuss things
[Mill]
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22681
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The liberty of the press is more valuable for what it prevents than what it promotes
[Tocqueville]
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23819
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Deliberate public lying should be punished
[Weil]
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22268
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If persons define themselves by a group membership, insults to that group are a real harm
[Sandel]
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22267
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In the liberal view an insult to my group doesn't hurt me, since I'm defined by choices not groups
[Sandel]
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20586
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Free speech does not include the right to shout 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre
[Tuckness/Wolf]
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22829
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Allowing defamatory speech is against society's interests, by blurring which people are trustworthy
[Charvet]
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23136
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Liberal free speech is actually paid speech
[Gopnik]
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