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Single Idea 19858

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 2. Freedom of belief]

Full Idea

No man is to be molested on account of his opinions, even his religious opinions, provided that their manifestation does not disturb the public order established by law.

Gist of Idea

No one should be molested for their opinions, if they do not disturb the established order

Source

Mirabeau and committee (Declaration of the Rights of Man [1789], 10)

A Reaction

Virtually any opinion will 'disturb' the established order a little bit, so this gives the option of suppressing quite mild beliefs, on the grounds of their small disturbance. It is still a wonderful proposal, though.

Book Reference

'Les Philosophes', ed/tr. Torrey,Norman L. [Perigee 1980], p.286