The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
William O. DouglasRead
Fear of ideas makes us impotent and ineffective.
Interpretation
Avoiding new ideas hinders our progress and effectiveness.
This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing new ideas and perspectives. When we allow fear to prevent us from exploring and discussing different concepts, we limit our ability to grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. The quote suggests that fear can paralyze us and reduce our effectiveness in both personal and collective endeavors.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech about embracing change and creativity in the workplace.
The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That's the new gloss on the First Amendment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If I were a physician, and if I were allowed to prescribe just one remedy for all the ills of the modern world, I would prescribe silence. For even if the Word of God were proclaimed in the modern world, how could one hear it with so much noise? Therefore, create silence.
The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.
Produce what you consume; draw from the native element the necessaries of life. Permit no vitiated taste to lead you into the indulgence of expensive luxuries, which can only be obtained by involving yourselves in debt.
They are all alike you know. They hold their tongues for years and you think you're safe, but when the opportunity comes they remember everything.
I wanted to lie hour after hour on a couch, pouring out the dark, secret places of my heart--do this feeling that over my shoulder sat humanity and wisdom and generosity, a munificent heart--do this until that incredibly lovely day when the great man would say to me, his voice grave and dramatic with discovery: "This is you, Exley. Rise and go back into the world a whole man.
At the Egyptian city of Naucratis there was a famous old god whose name was Theuth; the bird which is called the Ibis was sacred to him, and he was the inventor of many arts, such as arithmetic and calculation and geometry and astronomy and draughts and dice, but his great discovery was the use of letters.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.