For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the concept of freedom of speech, suggesting that it often leads to conformity rather than genuine expression.
Gore Vidal's statement reflects a cynical view of freedom of speech, implying that many people use it not to express original thoughts or ideas, but rather to echo the opinions and sentiments that are widely accepted in society. This observation serves as a commentary on the societal pressures that can stifle individuality and critical thinking, suggesting that true freedom of expression is rare and often overshadowed by the desire to fit in.
In practice
This quote can be used in a debate about censorship and the value of independent thought.
We must declare ourselves, become known; allow the world to discover this subterranean life of ours which connects kings and farm boys, artists and clerks. Let them see that the important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.
The important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
Envy is the central fact of American life.
The fact that we are living does not mean we are not sick.
People aim for the stars, and they end up like goldfish in a bowl. I wonder if it wouldn't be simpler just to teach children right from the start that life is absurd.
Pride, on the other hand, is the mother of all sins, and the original sin of lucifer.... An instrument strung, but preferring to play itself because it thinks it knows the tune better than the Musician
Routine is a declivity down which many governments slide, and routine says that freedom of the press is dangerous.
Time is a drug. Too much of it kills you.
If [people] place such things as friendship and family ties above their own productive work, yes, then they are immoral. Friendship, family life and human relationships are not primary in a man's life. A man who places others first, above his own creative work, is an emotional parasite.
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