Freedom Quote by Fisher Ames
“We are, heart and soul, friends to the freedom of the press...It is a precious pest, and a necessary mischief, and there would be no liberty without it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: "On Freedom of the Press", 1798
Press freedom is essential, a necessary nuisance that sustains liberty; without it, liberty fades.
In simple terms: Press is a vital, disruptive liberty.
Key Takeaway
Protect press freedom.
Themes
freedom
press
liberty
necessary nuisance
Mood
defensive
hopeful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- political discourse
- public policy
- education
Key Concepts
political theory
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is a “pest” press valuable?
- How can societies manage harmful press?
A Different Perspective
Press can spread misinformation.
![“[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the Sacred Book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.” quote by Fisher Ames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef1/fisher-ames-19639_bible_why-should-not-the-bible-regain-the-plac_1033233.jpg)
