The critical point is that the Constitution places the right of silence beyond the reach of government.
William O. DouglasRead
These unwritten amenities have been in part responsible for giving our people the feeling of independence and self-confidence, the feeling of creativity. These amenities have dignified the right of dissent and have honored the right to be nonconformists and the right to defy submissiveness. They have encouraged lives of high spirits rather than hushed, suffocating silence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Unwritten social norms foster independence and creativity.
William O. Douglas highlights the importance of unwritten social amenities that empower individuals. These intangible elements contribute to a sense of independence and self-confidence, encouraging creativity and nonconformity. By celebrating dissent and promoting a spirited way of life, these amenities help create an environment where people can express themselves freely rather than conforming to oppressive silence.
Themes
IndependenceSelf-ConfidenceCreativityNonconformityDissent
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to highlight the importance of self-expression.
More from William O. Douglas
All quotes →One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That's the new gloss on the First Amendment.
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.
William O. DouglasRead
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.
William O. DouglasRead
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.
William O. DouglasRead
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.
William O. DouglasRead
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