Absolutes Quote by Max Lerner
“Meiklejohn's position is that free speech in a democracy is not an absolute flowing from the boundless source of some presumed 'natural right.' It is a practical necessity of 'self-government by universal suffrage,' for if the citizens are not permitted to argue out the issues of government, how can they be what they must be in a democracy - the rulers as well as the ruled?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Free Speech and Democracy", 1945
Free speech is essential for self‑government, not a natural right, because democratic debate shapes legitimate authority.
In simple terms: Free speech enables democratic debate.
Key Takeaway
Protect open discourse for healthy democracy.
Themes
democracy
speech
government
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative hearings
- public forums
- media reporting
- academic debate
Key Concepts
political theory
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure speech serves democracy?
- How to balance speech with harm prevention?
A Different Perspective
May be abused to spread harmful ideas.
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