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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.