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Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. Kerry
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Democracy depends on both the freedom to speak and the necessity for that speech to be honest.

This quote emphasizes the fundamental role of truthfulness in a democratic society. While free speech is essential for citizens to express themselves and share ideas, the integrity and accuracy of what is said is crucial, as it ultimately fosters a well-informed populace that can engage in meaningful discourse and make enlightened decisions, thereby reinforcing the very principles of democracy.

Themes

DemocracyFree SpeechTruthFreedomSociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used during a debate on the importance of media accuracy.

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