Skip to content

Censorship Quote by Benjamin Franklin

“If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.” quote by Benjamin Franklin
Download Open image
“If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

Source Essay: Poor Richard's Almanack, 1732

Censorship stifles expression; fear of causing offense leads to silence.

In simple terms: Fear of offense stops printing.

Key Takeaway

Speak truth, accept risk.

Themes

freedom of speech censorship creativity

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • journalism
  • art
  • academic publishing
  • political discourse

Key Concepts

ethics social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you publish if you feared offense?
  • How does fear shape what is shared?
A Different Perspective

Over‑cautious self‑censorship can hinder progress.

4.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Benjamin Franklin

Explore all 1,692 Benjamin Franklin quotes

More Censorship quotes

Browse all 884 Censorship quotes