QuoteProject
If the guardians of society, the protectors of 'young persons,' could have had their way, we should have known nothing of Byron or Shelley. The voices that thrill the world would now be silent.
Robert Green Ingersoll
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom and the dangers of censorship in society.

Robert Green Ingersoll's quote highlights the pivotal role that free expression plays in the advancement of culture and knowledge. He argues that if societal authorities had succeeded in suppressing the works of influential poets like Byron and Shelley, the world would have been deprived of profound voices that inspire and elevate humanity. Ingersoll's statement serves as a reminder that creativity and dissent are essential for progress and should not be stifled.

Themes

FreedomCensorshipArtSocietyExpression

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of protecting creative expression in schools.

More from Robert Green Ingersoll

I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
Robert Green IngersollRead
The religion that has to be supported by law is without value, not only, but a fraud and a curse. The religious argument that has to be supported by a musket is hardly worth making.
Robert Green IngersollRead
There is no slavery but ignorance.
Robert Green IngersollRead
In all ages the people have honored those who dishonored them. They have worshiped their destroyers; they have canonized the most gigantic liars, and buried the great thieves in marble and gold. Under the loftiest monuments sleeps the dust of murder.
Robert Green IngersollRead
I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
Robert Green IngersollRead
Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
Robert Green IngersollRead

Similar quotes

History education in schools is so poor that students often enter college ignorant of the past - and leave just as unenlightened.
Max BootRead
I believe unconditionally in the ability of people to respond when they are told the truth. We need to be taught to study rather than believe, to inquire rather than to affirm.
Septima Poinsette ClarkRead
It [further education] is most essential,otherwise I would not have educated my sons. I learnt the hard way.Maybe if I had some education my success and growth would have been quicker.
Dhirubhai AmbaniRead
One of the most important things that teachers teach students is you, you can work harder. You are mentally tougher than you think.
Taylor MaliRead
We are often raised as dependents then given over to teachers. It's experience and exploration that can transform us and lead to mastery.
Robert GreeneRead
Most ballet teachers in the United States are terrible. If they were in medicine, everyone would be poisoned.
George BalanchineRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.