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Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and tyranny is erected on its ruins.

— Benjamin Franklin

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Freedom

More quotes by Benjamin Franklin

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes!

Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly: Men freely ford that see the shallows.

Poor Richard's Almanack (1733)

Creditors have better memories than debtors; and creditors are a superstitious sect, great observers of set days and times.

Poor Richard's Almanack (1758)

If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.

Apology for Printers (1730)

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You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can't lead to a good conclusion.

Julian Assange

What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence?

Abraham Lincoln

Science and religion are two human enterprises sharing many features.

Freeman Dyson Infinite in All Directions (1988)

There is no governor anywhere; you are all absolutely free. There is no restraint that cannot be escaped.

Robert Anton Wilson

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Benjamin Franklin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.