Army Quote by George Washington
““There might, Gentlemen, be an impropriety in my taking notice, in this Address to you, of an anonymous production, but the manner in which that performance has been introduced to the army, the effect it was intended to have, together with some other circumstances, will amply justify my observations on the tendency of that Writing. With respect to the advice given by the Author, to suspect the Man, who shall recommend moderate measures and longer forbearance, I spurn it, as every Man, who regards liberty, and reveres that justice for which we contend, undoubtedly must; for if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Continental Army, 1775
The speaker warns that suppressing free expression harms liberty and justice, urging vigilance against censorship.
In simple terms: Censoring speech endangers freedom and justice.
Key Takeaway
Defend free speech.
Themes
liberty
justice
speech
censorship
Mood
serious
defiant
reflective
Type
political
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- military leadership
- public discourse
- political debate
- media criticism
- civil protest
Key Concepts
political theory
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How does silence affect societal progress?
- When is it acceptable to limit speech?
A Different Perspective
The context of wartime may justify limited speech, but the principle remains vital.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
