When I go to a library and I see the librarian at her desk reading, I'm afraid to interrupt her, even though she sits there specifically so that she may be interrupted, even though being interrupted for reasons like this… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
Without the ability to talk about government power, there's no way for citizens to make sure this power isn't being misused. — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
Most people, it seems, stretch the truth to make themselves seem more impressive. I, it seems, stretch the truth to make myself look worse. — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
As the Internet breaks down the last justifications for a professional class of politicians, it also builds up the tools for replacing them. — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
Normally, I just sit in my quiet little room and do the small things that bring me pleasures. I read my books, I answer… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves. The world's entire scientific and cultural heritage, published over centuries… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
What is the most important thing you could be working on in the world right now? ... And if you're not working on that,… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
Social Security got passed because John D. Rockefeller was sick of having to take money out of his profits to pay for his workers'… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
What if there was a library which held every book? Not every book on sale, or every important book, or even every book in… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
Books are totally useless unless you take their advice. If you just keep reading them, thinking "that's so insightful! that changes everything," but never… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
But all of this action goes on in the dark, hidden underground. It’s called stealing or piracy, as if sharing a wealth of knowledge… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image
With enough of us, around the world, we'll not just send a strong message opposing the privatization of knowledge - we'll make it a… — Aaron Swartz Copy Share Image