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Censorship Quote by John Stuart Mill

“...there ought to exist the fullest liberty of professing and discussing, as a matter of ethical conviction, any doctrine, however immoral it may be considered.” quote by John Stuart Mill
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“...there ought to exist the fullest liberty of professing and discussing, as a matter of ethical conviction, any doctrine, however immoral it may be considered.”

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

Source Book: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, 1859

Freedom of speech includes the right to express even immoral ideas, provided it is a matter of personal conviction.

In simple terms: You can discuss any idea, even immoral ones.

Key Takeaway

Defend open discourse.

Themes

freedom of speech ethics civil liberties

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • political activism
  • online forums
  • courtroom arguments

Key Concepts

liberalism free expression tolerance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should all speech be protected equally?
  • How to balance liberty with societal harm?
A Different Perspective

Even immoral speech can cause harm if unchecked.

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