Every burned book enlightens the world.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

Pontius Pilate was the first great censor and Jesus Christ the first great victim of censorship

Pontius Pilate was the first great censor and Jesus Christ the first great victim of censorship

Censorship ends in logical completeness when nobody is allowed to read any books except the books that nobody reads.

Censorship ends in logical completeness when nobody is allowed to read any books except the books that nobody reads.

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.

As long as I don't write about the government, religion, politics, and other institutions, I am free to print anything.

As long as I don't write about the government, religion, politics, and other institutions, I am free to print anything.

Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.

Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.

Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself.

Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself.

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.