Hated Quote by Learned Hand
“Heretics have been hated from the beginning of recorded time; they have been ostracized, exiled, tortured, maimed, and butchered; but it has generally proved impossible to smother them; and when it has not, the society that has succeeded has always declined.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial Opinion, United States Supreme Court, early 20th century
Societies that suppress dissenting ideas eventually weaken and collapse because truth cannot be permanently silenced.
In simple terms: Suppressing dissent leads to societal decline.
Key Takeaway
Protect free thought.
Themes
freedom
societal health
dissent
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- political activism
- legal reform
- education
- media criticism
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance order with tolerance for dissent?
- What mechanisms protect dissenting voices?
A Different Perspective
Oppressive regimes may temporarily quell dissent without addressing underlying issues.
![“When Andrew [Ridgeley] first met my family, he heard my mom calling me "Yorgos." He just abbreviated it to Yog, and unfortunately it stuck. I hated it is a teenager. It was not the most glamorous-sounding name in the world.” quote by George Michael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00b/george-michael-1332_andrew_when-andrew-ridgeley-first-met-my-family_12039.jpg)
