After all, if freedom of speech means anything, it means a willingness to stand and let people say things with which we disagree, and which do weary us considerably.
Interpretation
Freedom of speech involves tolerating ideas that you may disagree with, even if they are burdensome.
This quote emphasizes the essence of freedom of speech, which is not just about allowing agreeable opinions to be expressed but also about accepting and enduring viewpoints that challenge or irritate us. It suggests that true liberty in speech encompasses a robust commitment to hear and consider voices that differ from our own, as this is fundamental to a healthy democratic society.
In practice
In a debate about controversial topics, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of respecting differing opinions.
The vast numbers of people who suffer some kind of mental illness under capitalism can either think, 'there is some failing with me, if only I could fit into this system better, if only I were working harder, if only I could enjoy these empty pleasures more, then things would be OK' or 'the problem is with the system that is making me ill.'
I would choose freedom over comfort every time.
It is bad policy to regulate everything... where things may better regulate themselves and can be better promoted by private exertions; but it is no less bad policy to let those things alone which can only be promoted by interfering social power.
Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
No, I’m not an American. I’m one of the 22 million black people who are the victims of Americanism. One of the … victims of democracy, nothing but disguised hypocrisy. So, I’m not standing here speaking to you as an American, or a patriot, or a flag-saluter, or a flag-waver - no, not I. I’m speaking as a victim of this American system. And I see America through the eyes of the victim. I don’t see any American dream; I see an American nightmare.
If I don't measure up as an American writer, at least leave me to my delusion.
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