“The liberty of thinking and publishing whatsoever each one likes, without any hindrances, is not in itself an advantage over which society can wisely rejoice. On the contrary, it is the fountainhead and origin of many evils.”

I agree.

Publishing is the key word or concept here that makes the statement true. Where my nose begins, your rights end.

Censorship is never the right thing to do. If you don't like an idea, then you do not have to read what has been published. You have no right to tell others what they can and cannot do with their own ideas. Catholocism rears its ugly head once again!

But the evils of censorship are even greater...

This quote makes censorship seem reasonable, but it's not. Likewise, banning some guns because of caliber, features or magazine size is unreasonable.

How does "publishing" infringe upon your rights, Mike? Is someone forcing you to read everything ever published? Have you no choice in the matter? How does the publication of a book, article, etc., which you may never even see affect your freedom?

Hi Liz... I am not Catholic..but surely you must agree that there are some things that are harmful and should not be allowed? We do not yell "fire" in crowded theater....slander and libel and also not appropriate as is child porn.... The truth is, we censor things all the time and it is VERY appropriate to do so. And "someone" there is more involved here that just "individual right" as you describe....there is also such a think as hostile environments (which are well supported in sexual harassment cases)--and environments that are conducive to harm... The simple fact is that an orderly society cannot exist when the lowest depravity that the human brain can come up with is accepted as legitimate. THAT is the proverbial slippery slope as others who see it believe it is acceptable and match it... The use of profanity in movies is a perfect example....it began with "damn" in Gone with the Wind...and now...well, it speaks for itself.

Someone, censorship is one of the ugliest tools of those with the biggest guns. My reference was where and when the publication is displayed, by way of example: there should be no porn or graphic violence on saturday morning tv channels where children normally watch cartoons. The 'order' of true 'law' (most specifically as corporeal man administers) forbids compelled compliance, victimless crimes, license, and the violation of any individual. Michael from Houston also address your question well

Expose opinion to the light of the truth -- that is the best defense against error.

Since many are convinced, through expressions that encourage them, to do the abominable or destructive, there is every reason to use appropriate censure, to prevent even more abomination. Expressions encouraging certain behaviors should not be tolerated, especially with respect to the very young and the naturally stupid. To convince these of the acceptability of carrying out abomination is equal to sociopathy.

Well said, Michael from Houston. I would also like to add that there is a big difference in thinking and publishing. Everyone has the right to think what one wishes. No one has the right to be published. In addition, it makes a big difference whether the private marketplace or the government is doing the censoring. Everyone has the right to speak. Nobody has the right to be heard.

"...and we call it the internet."