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Full Idea
The free communication of thoughts and opinions is one of man's most precious rights. Every citizen may therefore speak, write, and publish freely; except that he shall be responsible for the abuse of that freedom in cases determined by law.
Gist of Idea
Free speech is very precious, and everyone may speak and write freely (but take responsibility for it)
Source
Mirabeau and committee (Declaration of the Rights of Man [1789], 11)
Book Ref
'Les Philosophes', ed/tr. Torrey,Norman L. [Perigee 1980], p.286
A Reaction
Wonderful, and very nicely expressed. Tom Paine will have been a huge influence on this clause.