Skip to content

The nightmare of censorship has always cast a shadow over…

“The nightmare of censorship has always cast a shadow over my thoughts. Both under the previous state and under the Islamic state, I have said again and again that, when there is an apparatus for censorship that filters all writing, an apparatus comes into being in every writer's mind that says…” quote by Simin Behbahani
Download Open image
“The nightmare of censorship has always cast a shadow over my thoughts. Both under the previous state and under the Islamic state, I have said again and again that, when there is an apparatus for censorship that filters all writing, an apparatus comes into being in every writer's mind that says: "Don't write this, they won't allow it to be published." But the true writer must ignore these murmurings. The true writer must write. In the end, it will be published one day, on the condition that the writer writes the truth and does not dissemble.”

Simin Behbahani

About This Quote

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

The author argues that censorship creates self‑censorship in writers, but true writers must ignore that inner voice and write truthfully, trusting eventual publication.

In simple terms: Writers must defy censorship and write truth.

Key Takeaway

Truthful writing persists despite external suppression.

Themes

censorship freedom of expression truth writing

Mood

defiant hopeful

Type

philosophical call to action

When to use this quote

  • journalism under authoritarian regimes
  • academic publishing
  • social media activism

Key Concepts

psychology of self‑censorship political oppression

Practical Applications

  • Practice blind drafting
  • Seek alternative publishing platforms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks do writers face when confronting censorship?
  • How can societies protect truthful expression?
A Different Perspective

Even truthful writing can be weaponized; context matters for impact.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Simin Behbahani

Explore all 9 Simin Behbahani quotes

More Censorship quotes

Browse all 884 Censorship quotes