As liberty of thought is absolute, so is liberty of speech, which is 'inseparable' from the liberty of thought. Liberty of speech, moreover, is essential not only for its own sake but for the sake of truth, which requires absolute liberty for the utterance of unpopular and even demonstrably false opinions.
Interpretation
Liberty of thought and speech are essential for expressing truth, including unpopular opinions.
This quote emphasizes the fundamental connection between freedom of thought and freedom of speech. It argues that true liberty in expressing ideas, even those that are unpopular or incorrect, is vital for pursuing truth and understanding, as it allows for a diverse range of opinions and discussions that challenge the status quo.
In practice
In a debate about free speech rights, one could reference this quote to highlight the importance of protecting unpopular opinions.
The footnote would seem to be the smallest detail in a work of history. Yet it carries a large burden of responsibility, testifying to the validity of the work, the integrity (and the humility) of the historian, and to the dignity of the discipline.
In the early days of the December that my father was to die, my younger brother brought me the news that I was a Jew. I was then a transplanted Englishman in America, married, with one son and, though unconsoled by any religion, a nonbelieving member of two Christian churches. On hearing the tidings, I was pleased to find that I was pleased.
It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting.
God dwells wherever man lets Him in.
The dangers is that every religion, including the Catholic one, says "I have the ultimate truth." Then you start to rely on the priest, the mullah, the rabbi, or whoever, to be responsible for your acts. In fact, you are the only one who is responsible.
The mountains have rules. they are harsh rules, but they are there, and if you keep to them you are safe. A mountain is not like men. A mountain is sincere. The weapons to conquer it exist inside you, inside your soul.
Wordplay hides a key to reality that the dictionary tries in vain to lock inside every free word.
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