The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
William O. DouglasRead
The concept of the public welfare is broad and inclusive ... the values it represents are spiritual as well as physical, aesthetic as well as monetary. It is within the power of the legislature to determine that the community should be beautiful as well as healthy, spacious as well as clean, well balanced as well as carefully patroled.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Public welfare encompasses not just the physical needs of a community, but also its aesthetic and spiritual aspects.
William O. Douglas emphasizes that the idea of public welfare goes beyond mere physical health and monetary wealth. It involves creating a community that is beautiful, clean, spacious, and spiritually fulfilling, highlighting the importance of balance and care in legislating for the welfare of society.
Themes
Public WelfareCommunityBeautyHealthLegislationBalance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about urban development, one could quote, 'The concept of the public welfare is broad and inclusive...' to emphasize the importance of aesthetics in city planning.
More from William O. Douglas
All quotes →One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That's the new gloss on the First Amendment.
William O. DouglasRead
The great and invigorating influences in American life have been the unorthodox: the people who challenge an existing institution or way of life, or say and do things that make people think.
William O. DouglasRead
I have the same confidence in the ability of our people to reject noxious literature as I have in their capacity to sort out the true from the false in theology, economics, or any other field.
William O. DouglasRead
Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.
William O. DouglasRead
The truth is that a vast restructuring of our society is needed if remedies are to become available to the average person. Without that restructuring the good will that holds society together will be slowly dissipated... It is that sense of futility which permeates the present series of protests and dissents. Where there is a persistent sense of futility, there is violence; and that is where we are today.
William O. DouglasRead
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