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If the guardians of society, the protectors of 'young persons,' could have had their way, we should have known nothing of Byron or Shelley. The voices that thrill the world would now be silent.
Robert Green Ingersoll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of artistic freedom and the dangers of censorship in society.

Robert Green Ingersoll's quote highlights the pivotal role that free expression plays in the advancement of culture and knowledge. He argues that if societal authorities had succeeded in suppressing the works of influential poets like Byron and Shelley, the world would have been deprived of profound voices that inspire and elevate humanity. Ingersoll's statement serves as a reminder that creativity and dissent are essential for progress and should not be stifled.

Themes

FreedomCensorshipArtSocietyExpression

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of protecting creative expression in schools.

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I will follow my logic, no matter where it goes, after it has consulted with my heart. If you ever come to a conclusion without calling the heart in, you will come to a bad conclusion.
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I believe that there is something far nobler than loyalty to any particular man. Loyalty to the truth as we perceive it - loyalty to our duty as we know it - loyalty to the ideals of our brain and heart - is, to my mind, far greater and far nobler than loyalty to the life of any particular man or God. . . .
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Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
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