Associates Quote by Walter E. Williams
“The bottom line is that the true test of one's commitment to freedom of association doesn't come when he allows people to associate in ways he approves. The true test of that commitment comes when he allows people to be free to voluntarily associate in ways he deems despicable. Forced association is not freedom of association.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The State Against Blacks, 1995
Freedom of association is truly tested when allowing disliked groups to associate freely.
In simple terms: True liberty includes tolerating disagreeable alliances.
Key Takeaway
Defend the principle of voluntary association.
Themes
freedom
ethics
politics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
debate
When to use this quote
- Legal reform
- civil rights activism
- community building
- public policy
Key Concepts
Liberty
association
tolerance
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits, if any, should exist on association?
- How do we protect vulnerable groups?
A Different Perspective
Balancing societal harm with individual liberty is complex.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
