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Give them a corrupt House of Lords, give them a venal…

“Give them a corrupt House of Lords, give them a venal House of Commons, give they a tyrannical Prince, give them a truckling court, and let me have but an unfettered press. I will defy them to encroach a hair's breadth upon the liberties of England.” quote by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
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“Give them a corrupt House of Lords, give them a venal House of Commons, give they a tyrannical Prince, give them a truckling court, and let me have but an unfettered press. I will defy them to encroach a hair's breadth upon the liberties of England.”

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A critique of corrupt institutions, demanding a free press as the last safeguard of liberty.

In simple terms: Freedom of the press protects liberty against corrupt power.

Key Takeaway

Protect press independence.

Themes

politics freedom corruption

Mood

defiant critical

Type

political satirical

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • political activism
  • public discourse
  • legislative reform

Key Concepts

liberty media independence government accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role should the press play in holding power accountable?
  • How can societies ensure true press freedom?
A Different Perspective

Even a free press can be manipulated by those in power.

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