The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.

The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.

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.

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.

Censorship in any form is the enemy of creativity, since it cuts off the life blood of creativity: ideas.

Censorship in any form is the enemy of creativity, since it cuts off the life blood of creativity: ideas.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.