Echoes

If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.

Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.

If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

I do not speak the minds of others except to speak my own mind better.

Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins. Republics and limited monarchies derive their strength and vigor from a popular examination into the action of the magistrates.

Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.

The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world.

Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.

To find yourself, think for yourself.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

Do we call this the land of the free? What is it to be free from King George and continue the slaves of King Prejudice? What is it to be born free and not to live free? What is the value of any political freedom, but as a means to moral freedom? Is it a freedom to be slaves, or a freedom to be free, of which we boast? We are a nation of politicians, concerned about the outmost defences only of freedom. It is our children's children who may perchance be really free.

The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.

Only the educated are free.

Stubborn and ardent clinging to one's opinion is the best proof of stupidity.

Whenever one tries to suppress doubt, there is tyranny.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.

Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.

The law will never make men free; it is men who have got to make the law free.

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.

I should have loved freedom, I believe, at all times, but in the time in which we live I am ready to worship it.

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

Students, when you want to say something, think about it three times before you say it. Speak only if your words will benefit yourselves and others. Do not speak if it brings no benefit.

Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.