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

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

The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.

The first condition of progress is the removal 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.

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.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.

Only the suppressed word is dangerous.

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.

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.