America Quote by Don Marquis
“Censors are necessary, increasingly necessary, if America is to avoid having a vital literature.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on cultural policy, 2005
Censorship is argued as essential to protect essential literary works from harmful influences.
In simple terms: Censorship protects vital literature.
Key Takeaway
Consider the balance between protection and freedom.
Themes
censorship
culture
literature
protection
freedom
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- educational curricula
- publishing decisions
- media regulation
- library acquisitions
Key Concepts
public policy
artistic integrity
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What literature is deemed vital, and who decides?
- How might censorship affect cultural evolution?
A Different Perspective
Over‑censorship can stifle creativity and diverse voices.
![“[Censors are] people with secret attractions to various temptations... They are defending themselves under the pretext of defending others, because at heart they fear their own weaknesses.” quote by Ernest Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1d4/ernest-jones-36409_attraction_censors-are-people-with-secret-attractio_103107.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
