The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.

The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.

The fact is that censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates, in the end, the kind of society read more

The fact is that censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates, in the end, the kind of society that is incapable of exercising real discretion.

The trouble with censors is that they worry if a girl has cleavage. They ought to worry if she hasn't read more

The trouble with censors is that they worry if a girl has cleavage. They ought to worry if she hasn't any.

Damn all expurgated books; the dirtiest book of all is the expurgated book.

Damn all expurgated books; the dirtiest book of all is the expurgated book.

If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we read more

If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

I am mortified to be told that, in the United States of America, the sale of a book can become read more

I am mortified to be told that, in the United States of America, the sale of a book can become a subject of inquiry, and of criminal inquiry too.

I suppose that writers should, in a way, feel flattered by the censorship laws. They show a primitive fear and read more

I suppose that writers should, in a way, feel flattered by the censorship laws. They show a primitive fear and dread at the fearful magic of print.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.