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You can have no wise laws nor free enforcement of wise…

“You can have no wise laws nor free enforcement of wise laws unless there is free expression of the wisdom of the people -- and, alas, their folly with it. But if there is freedom, folly will die of its own poison, and the wisdom will survive.” quote by William Allen White
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“You can have no wise laws nor free enforcement of wise laws unless there is free expression of the wisdom of the people -- and, alas, their folly with it. But if there is freedom, folly will die of its own poison, and the wisdom will survive.”

William Allen White

About This Quote

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

Free expression of public wisdom and folly ensures that truth endures while error self‑destructs.

In simple terms: Free speech lets truth survive, folly fades.

Key Takeaway

Protect free speech to let wisdom prevail.

Themes

free speech wisdom folly society truth

Mood

thought‑provoking philosophical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • media analysis
  • education
  • community dialogue

Key Concepts

democratic discourse public opinion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance free expression with misinformation control?
  • What mechanisms protect truth without stifling speech?
A Different Perspective

Free speech can also spread harmful misinformation.

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