Quotes on Dissent

...Americans...automatically equate dissension with disloyalty. They view any criticism of our existing social, economic, and political forms, as sedition and subversion. ...(" The growing reluctance of Americans to criticize, and their increasing tendency to condemn those who, in ever dwindling numbers, will still voice dissent") is disturbing, deplorable, and truly dangerous.

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.

Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow.

Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public.

The citizen who sees his society's democratic clothes being worn out and does not cry it out, is not a patriot, but a traitor.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

He who dictates and formulates the words and phrases we use, he who is master of the press and radio, is master of the mind. Repeat mechanically your assumptions and suggestions, diminish the opportunity for communicating dissent and opposition. This is the formula for political conditioning of the masses.

Science exists, moreover, only as a journey toward troth. Stifle dissent and you end that journey.

People may believe that there can be a society where dissent is not permitted, but which is nonetheless not a fear society because everyone agrees with one another and therefore no one wants to dissent.

If our democracy is to flourish, it must have criticism; if our government is to function it must have dissent.

Democracy is no easy form of government. Few nations have been able to sustain it. For it requires that we take the chances of freedom; that the liberating play of reason be brought to bear on events filled with passion; that dissent be allowed to make its appeal for acceptance; that men chance error in their search for the truth.

If what your country is doing seems to you practically and morally wrong, is dissent the highest form of patriotism?

America was born of revolt, flourished in dissent, became great through experimentation.

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

She never forgets a slight, real or imagined. She takes caution for cowardice and dissent for defiance. And she is greedy. Greedy for power, for honour, for love.

Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.

Without debate, without criticism no administration and no country can succeed and no republic can survive.

Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.