The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
William O. DouglasRead
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.
Interpretation
Unconventional thinkers drive change and stimulate thought in society.
This quote by William O. Douglas emphasizes the importance of unorthodox individuals who challenge the status quo. These thinkers and innovators provoke critical thinking and inspire societal progress by questioning established institutions and ideas, leading to a more dynamic and transformative society.
In practice
In a speech at a conference about innovation, one might say, 'As William O. Douglas noted, the unorthodox influences society by challenging norms.'
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.
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.
The day should come when all of the forms of life... will stand before the court - the pileated woodpecker as well as the coyote and bear, the lemmings as well as the trout in the streams.
I'm here to spread a message of hope. Follow your heart. Don't follow what you've been told you're supposed to do.
If you pay close attention to each day, you will discover the magic moment.
I believe we have all been created for greater things than we can comprehend. The times call for great things, but great things in the noblest and most redemptive sense are predicted upon tolerance, love, respect, understanding, dignity, prayer, God.
So here is why I write what I do: We all have futures. We all have pasts. We all have stories. And we all, every single one of us, no matter who we are and no matter what’s been taken from us or what poison we’ve internalized or how hard we’ve had to work to expel it – – we all get to dream.
Men ablaze are invincible. Hell trembles when men kindle. The stronghold of Satan is proof against everything but fire. The Church is powerless without the flame of the Holy Ghost. Destitute of fire, nothing else really counts; possessed of fire, nothing else really matters. The one vital need is fire. Without the flame and fervour of the Holy Ghost the Church will never accomplish its mission.
I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There's a purpose for why you're in the fire. If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!
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