Charles T. Sprading Quote

"The first great struggle for liberty was in the realm of thought. The libertarians reasoned that freedom of thought would be good for mankind; it would promote knowledge, and increased knowledge would advance civilization. But the authoritarians protested that freedom of thought would be dangerous, that people would think wrong, that a few were divinely appointed to think for the people."

by:	Charles T. Sprading (1871-1959) Libertarian activist, writer
Source:	Liberty and The Great Libertarians, 1913
Rating:
Categories:	Authority, Civilization, Collectivist, Despotism, Free Thought, Freedom, Knowledge, Liberty, Prosperity, Totalitarian
	Tweet

-- Anonymous, Reston, VA US
Thanks to the Patriot Act, the FBI now can arbitrarily search Public Library records to check on who is reading what. Sometimes they come to 'visit' you at home to ask why you are reading certain books. Who decides what is 'safe' to know? Knowledge is power -- so I suppose they are just making sure we don't get too much of it.  -- E Archer, NYC      2
-- Joe, Rochester, MI
Such is the great danger of the enemy within...how to maintain the liberty we have always enjoyed and that makes us what we are, and still protect ourselves from those who would use that freedom and liberty against us.... We will be walking this tightrope for a while to come.  -- MK, Houston, TX
Has civilization advanced? I am for freedom of thought; but aside from technological advances, I am not sure that civilization has progressed.  -- David L. Rosenthal, Hollywood      1
Who knew the great libertarians hung out with the likes of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle? Ah well, live and learn.  -- Terry Berg, Occidental, CA      2
Heck in 2018 now, the 'intelligence community' is aware of every word I read and write, my face, my money.  Knowledge is power indeed.  -- E Archer, NYC      1
The 21st century battle is for the consciousness of the world's people.  It is to define a narrative for all to tell themselves that will justify their serfdom.  The schools are compromised and filled with handlers so that no one escapes the propaganda or is really empowered.  Just who do I think I am?  -- E Archer, NYC      1
-- jim k, Austin
-- Mike, Norwalk

Tweet  Rate this quote! How many stars? 0 1 2 3 4 5	What do YOU think?
Your name:	Your town:     CLICK JUST ONCE!

Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Email: