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

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.

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.

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.

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.

If in other lands the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our efforts read more

If in other lands the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our efforts here to keep them free

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.

I am opposed to censorship. Censors are pretty sure fools. I have no confidence in the suppression of everyday facts.

I am opposed to censorship. Censors are pretty sure fools. I have no confidence in the suppression of everyday facts.