Air Quote by William Pitt
“The press is like the air, a chartered libertine.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary Address, 1762
The press is as essential and unrestricted as air, yet it can be manipulated.
In simple terms: Press freedom is vital but can be misused.
Key Takeaway
Guard press independence.
Themes
freedom
media
politics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
political
observational
When to use this quote
- elections
- public opinion
- media regulation
Key Concepts
democracy
information control
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure press remains free?
- What safeguards prevent media abuse?
A Different Perspective
Press can be co-opted by powerful interests.
![“Dominique Strauss-Kahn has always had a reputation as a man who cares for women, and even a libertine . . . There is a vast difference between [that] reputation . . . and the charge which he is the object, which is a serious, very serious crime or sex crime. This is something very different.” quote by Elisabeth Guigou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8c7/elisabeth-guigou-158784_care_dominique-strauss-kahn-has-always-had-a_356608.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)