Justice Potter StewartJustice Potter Stewart, (1915-1985) Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Justice Potter Stewart Quote

“Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.”

Justice Potter StewartJustice Potter Stewart
~ Justice Potter Stewart

Dissenting, United States v. Ginzburg, 383 U.S. 463 (1965).

Ratings and Comments


RBESRQ
  • Reply
RBESRQ    7/15/09

The same with intolerance, indifference, and apathy. Unless... please see previous comment.

J Carlton, Calgary

Censorship may be seen as the state asserting control of an individual's thoughts. Sometimes a good thing, most times not.

E Archer, NYC

Censorship reflects the need to prop up lies in order to protect one's power over others. Another reason why Truth and Liberty go hand in hand.

cal, lewisville, tx

I suppose a line must be drawn somewhere, but that's the argument! Where?

Anon
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Anon    7/16/09

There should be no censorship, All information should be available so as to discover truth because how is truth discovered without the lies that cover it up and in reverse how are lies identified without the truth to prove their fallacy? All information is necessary for the right decisions to be made. Censorship reflects the views of those that don't want you to know something and our government uses the excuse that it's for the good of all when it really can't be because the lack of any knowledge can be a detriment to an individual when desiring to make a right decision. All knowledge is good but only truthful knowledge gained from all information will do anyone any good.

RBESRQ
  • Reply
    RBESRQ    7/16/09

    Archer and Anon you live in a fairy tale world where only the good live. Please tell me where it is and I'll join you. cal got it! Censorship is performed every minute of the day by the media, by mothers, fathers, lovers, corporations, CIA, FBI, the government, wall street, religion, and so on and so on - THAT IS REALITY - the world we live in.

    Elisabeth, Astoria, NY

    I'm glad there's a RBESRQ around to fight against censorship!

    Anon
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      Anon    7/18/09

      RBESRQ, When it's government doing the censorship through their control over the education system, media etc. is wherein the problem lies. I have no problem with individual choice censorship, that is where the power lies and where it belongs. I never said censorship didn't exist in a world where only the good live now did I.

      Waffler, Smith

      Government does not practice censorship generally. Ever heard of the Library of Congress. Every think published is virtually enshrined in that institution. Now some local obtuse entity of a county or city or school may attempt censorship, but the government in the US does not do so, quite the opposite my friends.

      E Archer, NYC
      • Reply
      E Archer, NYC Waffler, Smith 9/11/18

      Spoken like a true government-educated drone.  Talk about ignorance.

      E Archer, NYC

      Protecting people from the truth, is a CON.  And it works because people do lie  why?  Who do the lies protect?  The one lying!  Many do believe that some lies are necessary for the 'security' of the one being lied to.  B.S.!  Look at the 'intelligence community'  lies, lies, lies  that is their job to keep us 'safe.'  From what?  Reality?!  No, they lie to protect themselves.  Lying to ourselves forges our own chains even as we believe our lies will keep us safe.  Imagine a culture in which honesty and forbearance were foundational principles?  Liberation does not come from government, it is a paradigm shift from being a passenger in life to being the driver.  If you don't like where you are going, turn around.

      Mike, Norwalk

      It can be accurate. Usually the week minded and bigoted, not wanting any opposition, openly move to censor.

      @

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