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Banned books Quote by John F. Kennedy

“If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and…” quote by John F. Kennedy
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““If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty. [Response to questionnaire in Saturday Review, October 29 1960] ””

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks on Libraries, Saturday Review, October 29 1960

A free society needs open libraries, uncensored books, and diverse ideas for a wise, strong nation.

In simple terms: Open libraries foster wisdom and liberty.

Key Takeaway

Support uncensored public libraries.

Themes

education freedom information democracy

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • public policy
  • community events
  • library funding

Key Concepts

censorship public discourse intellectual diversity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies handle controversial works?
  • What role do libraries play in democracy?
A Different Perspective

Balancing free speech with harmful content is complex.

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