Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive.

Quote by Henry Steele Commager

Topics: Henry Steele Commager Quotes

It's awfully hard to be the son of a great man and also of a...

It's awfully hard to be the son of a great man and also of a...

Censorship always defeats it own purpose, for it creates in the end the kind of...

Censorship always defeats it own purpose, for it creates in the end the kind of...

The fact is that censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates, in the...

The fact is that censorship always defeats its own purpose, for it creates, in the...

A free society cherishes nonconformity. It knows that from the non-conformist, from the eccentric, have...

A free society cherishes nonconformity. It knows that from the non-conformist, from the eccentric, have...

Dissents are appeals to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of another...

Dissents are appeals to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of another...

May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.

May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

The rightful claim to dissent is an existential right of the individual.

The rightful claim to dissent is an existential right of the individual.

It is hard for any one to be an honest politician who is not born...

It is hard for any one to be an honest politician who is not born...

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.

Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.

Dissents are appeals to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of another...

Dissents are appeals to the brooding spirit of the law, to the intelligence of another...

Dissent is the native activity of the scientist, and it has got him into a...

Dissent is the native activity of the scientist, and it has got him into a...

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

In a number of cases dissenting opinions have in time become the law.

In a number of cases dissenting opinions have in time become the law.

The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support...

The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support...

Dissents speak to a future age.

Dissents speak to a future age.

So now is the time, more than ever, for those who truly value all the...

So now is the time, more than ever, for those who truly value all the...

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.

Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.