Book Quote by Philip Pullman
““It was a shocking thing to say and I knew it was a shocking thing to say. But no one has the right to live without being shocked. No one has the right to spend their life without being offended. Nobody has to read this book. Nobody has to pick it up. Nobody has to open it. And if you open it and read it, you don't have to like it. And if you read it and you dislike it, you don't have to remain silent about it. You can write to me, you can complain about it, you can write to the publisher, you can write to the papers, you can write your own book. You can do all those things, but there your rights stop. No one has the right to stop me writing this book. No one has the right to stop it being published, or sold, or bought, or read.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Freedom of Expression, 2000
The quote asserts absolute freedom of expression, emphasizing that while others may react, they cannot silence the author or prevent publication.
In simple terms: Freedom of speech means you can be offended but not silence others.
Key Takeaway
Defend the right to publish and critique.
Themes
free speech
rights
responsibility
Mood
defiant
assertive
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- public debate
- literary criticism
- activism
Key Concepts
censorship
public discourse
authorial liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities accompany free speech?
- When should speech be restricted?
A Different Perspective
Rights can be limited by law or hate speech regulations.
