Justice William O. DouglasJustice William O. Douglas, (1898-1980), U. S. Supreme Court Justice

Justice William O. Douglas Quote

“The framers of the constitution knew human nature as well as we do. They too had lived in dangerous days; they too knew the suffocating influence of orthodoxy and standardized thought. They weighed the compulsions for restrained speech and thought against the abuses of liberty. They chose liberty.”

Justice William O. DouglasJustice William O. Douglas
~ Justice William O. Douglas

Beauharnais v.Illinois, 342 U.S. 250, 287 (1952)

Ratings and Comments


warren, olathe

No. In fact they were far more educated and well fed than their British counterparts. They felt superior to the British in every way. They simply wanted to be given the same rights and responsibilities as British subjects in Brittan. The decision to separate from Brittan did not come till the war was already 1 and 1/2 years old. The struggle started over intellectual and free enterprise issues.

E Archer, NYC

Besides 'no taxation without representation' and the fact that the King forced the colonists to use Britain's interest-bearing fiat currency instead of their own interest-free currency, the Founders shunned orthodoxy for orthodoxy's sake. The original settlers came mostly for religious freedom, and by 1775 the founders were mostly Deists -- quite a leap from the orthodox view of Christianity (i.e. Catholicism and the Church of England). Reason was valued above blind faith and custom as the writings of Jefferson, Franklin, Paine and others can attest.

Mike, Norwalk

"the suffocating influence of orthodoxy and standardized thought" abusing liberty today is a blend of atheistic communism and religionist fascism, making these very dangerous days also. To reintroduce the verbiage of liberty and the God of Nature's principles to humanity would again be a choice against compulsion and a choice for liberty.

Eric Engstrom, Wichita, KS

Aside from the reinterpretation that my neighbor warren makes, when a discussion of the framers of the constitution takes place we are already several years past the American Revolutionary victory. These men were attempting to craft a government that they could defend and one that they could if need be overthrow more easily than the British. They had no choice but to choose liberty. Certainly they felt themselves superior to the British - because they were. And perhaps there is a certain elitism shared among people that truly value real liberty, not right or left or liberal or conservative, because they all have their shortcomings morally and politically. Liberty - it needs enough suppression that we are constantly on guard to protect it, and must never be deprived of the ability to protect it in both our private and public dealings, writings and utterances.

Ronw13, USA

It would be well to note, True followers of Christ from Acts 28:28 onward, follow not Peter as denominationalism preaches. But Paul, sent unto those chosen " afar off " from and before the foundation of the world. A mystery hidden till due season revealed. The dispensing of the Grace of our Creator, and his eternal purpose. 4 dispensations, The dispensation of God, The dispensation of Paul's gospel, the dispensation of the grace of God, The dispensation of the fullness of Time, Which We Now Live In. Paul is a watchmakers term, to " hold back " as till the fullness of time be come in. Unity of the faith, and unity of the knowledge of God ! Becoming a Full Grown Adult in the sight of God our Creator. These are the days so waited for. Some Assumptions are left to speculation of the fence sitters, who chew on doctrine to no profit. The wisdom of God spoken in mystery form !! Seeing it is revealed according to God's purpose in grace. ( Grace, Unmerited favor ). Liberty and Freedom granted by the Creator and Not Man ! Set At Liberty needs no Private interpretation !! Thank God for the Free Monarch of King James and his literal translation of Sound Sane unadulterated Truth in the form of the written Word. " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, ( and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only begotten of The Father, ) Full of Grace and Truth." 4th bk NT, 1:1,14. Climbs Jacob's Ladder of understanding to the TOP. Those thirteen steps to understanding that which guides this Nation under God's intervention and Providence ! Time to clean the house, infested with domestic, and foreign whores from around the world. Making merchandise of our Sacred Liberty, and plundering of our children's inheritance and treasures !

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