John Milton Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely
according to conscience, above all liberties."

by:	John Milton (1608-1674) English Poet
Source:	Areopagitica, 1644
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Categories:	Conscience, Constitution, Freedom, Individual Rights, Liberty, Speech
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Reader comments about this quote:

Freedom of speech (not "expression") is certainly important, although some confuse this with a non-existent right to be heard, but the most important right is to self defense, and the means to carry it out. -- helorat, Milton
The source says it all -- poetry was more of a vehicle for social commentary and the cause of human justice then political rehetoric that too often falls on deaf ears that is already entrenched in its own preconceived ideology. -- EGL, LA
All rights are inalienable and must be protected equally. I believe the author is trying to say that if he can argue what is wrong, people will listen, I believe the vast majority of people are only hearing the call to a free lunch, in great part disparaging the statement's underlying meaning. -- Mike, Norwalk
EGL, thank you, you said it better than I did. -- Mike, Norwalk
There are not multiple "liberties", there is only liberty. No one gives me liberty, it something I own by virtue of the "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God." If necessary, I will defend it or die trying. Milton seems to imply that his freedom of speech is dependent on someone giving him that right. -- Ken, Allyn, WA 1
Freedom starts with the ability to think freely and ultimately to 'declare' oneself -- like one's own freedom. Every stand begins with a declaration -- no one can take that away no matter how many laws are written or tyrants in power. -- E Archer, NYC