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That if all Printers were determin’d not to print any thing till they were sure it would offend no body, there would be very little printed. — Benjamin Franklin · 1731The jaws of power are always opened to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible to destroy, the freedom of thinking, speaking and writing. — John Adams · 1765
If we think to regulate printing, thereby to rectify manners, we must regulate all recreations and pastimes, all that is delightful to man... And who shall silence all the airs and madrigals, that whisper softness in chambers? — John Milton · 1644Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties. — John Milton · 1644
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. — James Madison · 1789
These times have the rare good fortune that you may think what you like and say what you think. — Tacitus · 110 BC