Who said if freedom of speech is taken away?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 11, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
The quote, "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter," is widely attributed to George Washington. It is often cited as originating from his March 1783 address to his officers at Newburgh, New York.
What is the quote about losing freedom of speech?
" For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter. "
What did George Washington say about free speech?
George Washington viewed free speech as a crucial safeguard of liberty, famously stating, "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter". This perspective emphasized that open expression protects people from oppression and enables the defense of truth.
What did Mark Twain say about free speech?
Quote of the day: "It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice them."-Mark Twain.
What did George Orwell say about free speech?
There is sometimes a second conception of free speech in his writing. This second conception is more frequently promoted by those quoting Orwell's claim that 'If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear' ("The freedom of the press').
Donald Trump says 'we took the freedom of speech away' amid flag burning at protest
What did Winston Churchill say about free speech?
Winston Churchill’s most famous quote regarding free speech highlights hypocritical attitudes towards opposing views, often cited as: "Some people's idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage". This quote highlights the necessity of dialogue and accepting criticism.
Did George Orwell believe in Jesus?
George Orwell did not believe in Jesus as the divine Son of God. He was an agnostic who rejected orthodox Christian belief in his teens. However, he possessed a deep, lifelong cultural attachment to the Church of England, appreciated its ethics, and chose to be buried by its rites.
What did Benjamin Franklin say about free speech?
Benjamin Franklin is credited with several famous quotes defending freedom of speech, though his most celebrated reflection on the topic comes from a 1737 essay in The Pennsylvania Gazette.
What did Thomas Jefferson say about free speech?
Thomas Jefferson viewed free speech and a free press as the ultimate pillars of a functioning democracy. He championed the idea that reason and public debate will naturally defeat false opinions, famously stating that given the choice, he would prefer "newspapers without a government" to "a government without newspapers".
What was Abraham Lincoln's quote about democracy?
Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quote about democracy is: "government of the people, by the people, for the people."
Which president never smiled?
George Washington is the most famous president who avoided smiling, a decision driven by lifelong, severe dental problems. By the time he took office in 1789, he had only one natural tooth left and wore painful, bulky dentures made of ivory, human teeth, and metal, which made smiling and speaking extremely uncomfortable.
What did James Madison say about free speech?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Can your freedom of speech be taken away?
Freedom of speech can be restricted or limited in certain situations, though in the United States, it cannot be taken away at the government's whim. While constitutional rights are strongly protected, speech is never absolute and comes with several key exceptions and limitations.
What was Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quote?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s most famous quote regarding women's representation on the Supreme Court was, "When there are nine," a direct answer to when there would be "enough" women on the bench, highlighting that9 men never raised questions. She was also widely known for, "Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you," and, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made".
What did John Locke say about freedom of speech?
John Locke is a foundational figure in modern political philosophy who argued that freedom of speech, expression, and conscience are fundamental natural rights. His groundbreaking theories directly inspired democratic ideals like the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and influenced modern understandings of civil liberties.
What was John Adams most famous quote?
John Adams's most famous quote is: "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
What did Churchill say about free speech?
Winston Churchill’s most famous quote regarding free speech highlights hypocritical attitudes towards opposing views, often cited as: "Some people's idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage". This quote highlights the necessity of dialogue and accepting criticism.
What did Thomas Jefferson say about Jesus?
Thomas Jefferson revered Jesus as a philosopher and moral teacher, but he rejected the idea of his divinity, the Trinity, and all biblical miracles. He famously described Jesus's teachings as containing "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man".
Which president limited freedom of speech?
One of the most revered presidents of the United States for his role in ending slavery through the Civil War, Lincoln has also been criticized by some scholars for his restrictions of civil liberties during the war. For example, Lincoln censored the press and the mail, infringing upon First Amendment freedoms.
What did founding fathers say about free speech?
The Founding Fathers viewed free speech as the ultimate pillar of a free society and the best guard against tyranny. They believed the ability to freely voice diverse—and even unpopular—opinions was indispensable for discovering political truth, but they heavily debated the exact legal limits of that freedom.
Was Ben Franklin a nudist?
While Benjamin Franklin wasn't a nudist in the modern, organized sense, he was famous for his daily ritual of "air baths". He would sit completely naked in his room reading or writing for up to an hour to preserve his health.
What did Ben Franklin say about Jesus?
Benjamin Franklin viewed Jesus as the greatest moral philosopher in history, but he was skeptical of his divinity.
What is Donald Trump's religion?
Donald Trump identifies as a nondenominational Christian. Raised Presbyterian, his formative religious background was heavily shaped by Pastor Norman Vincent Peale at Manhattan's Marble Collegiate Church, whose teachings emphasized a "positive mental attitude".
What was Hitler's view on Jesus?
Hitler viewed Jesus as a non-Jewish, "Aryan" fighter who fought against "Jewish materialism" and the "corrupt Pharisees". Promoting a "de-Judaized," positive Christianity, he praised a militant, whip-wielding Jesus as a model for his own anti-Semitic struggle, yet rejected traditional teachings like loving enemies and the divinity of Jesus, often viewing Christianity as a "religion of slaves".
What did George Orwell say about Jews?
George Orwell’s views on Jews and antisemitism are complex and reflect the shifting prejudices of his era. While his later writings firmly opposed antisemitism as an irrational psychological disease, his early works and personal diaries contain overt anti-Jewish tropes, stereotypes, and prejudiced remarks.