The day that this country ceases to be free for irreligion, it will cease to be free for religion.
Robert JacksonRead
If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word or act.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and the separation of state and personal beliefs.
Robert Jackson's quote highlights a fundamental principle of democratic society: the freedom of thought and expression. It asserts that no authority has the right to dictate, enforce, or limit the beliefs and opinions of individuals, whether in politics, religion, or other aspects of life. This underscores the value of personal autonomy and the diversity of views that should exist within a free society.
Themes
FreedomBeliefsExpressionOpinionsRights
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about free speech, one might quote Jackson to illustrate the importance of allowing diverse opinions.
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