It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.
William Ellery ChanningRead
The cry has been that when war is declared, all opposition should be hushed. A sentiment more unworthy of a free country could hardly be propagated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of free speech and dissent, even during times of war.
William Ellery Channing critiques the notion that opposing viewpoints should be silenced when a country goes to war. He argues that such suppression of dissent is detrimental to the ideals of freedom and democracy, suggesting that a true free country should encourage discussion and debate even in challenging times.
Themes
FreedomSpeechDissentWarDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
During a public rally advocating for freedom of speech in wartime.
More from William Ellery Channing
All quotes βNo power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.
William Ellery ChanningRead
I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
William Ellery ChanningRead
We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.
William Ellery ChanningRead
He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.
William Ellery ChanningRead
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