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.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

Every burned book enlightens the world.

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 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.

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.

He is always the severest censor of the merit of others who has the least worth of his own.

He is always the severest censor of the merit of others who has the least worth of his own.

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.