“I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Long attributed to Voltaire, the great French writer and philosopher, this inspiring endorsement of freedom of speech actually was written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall in a book about him which was published in 1906.
However, historians agree that the quote accurately reflects Voltaire’s philosophical views on free speech despite the fact that Ms. Hall wrote it 128 years after his death.
That famous quote caught my attention as a young journalism student at Marshall University because it says we should protect the right to speak or publish even unpopular opinions. To me, then and now, it underscores the importance of free expression, even for those with whom one disagrees, as a cornerstone of a free society.
It is believed by many that Voltaire’s views on religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state were major influences in what our forefathers wrote into the U.S. constitution and especially the Bill of Rights.
The founders of the United States of America felt so strongly about guaranteeing the right of free speech that they made it part of the First Amendment which also includes press freedom.
I feel compelled to note that both of these liberties related to freedom of expression apparently were higher priorities at the time than the right to bear arms which is a guarantee of the Second Amendment.
I’m not saying the Second Amendment or any of the other eight are not as important as the first, but our nation today is witnessing individuals being killed, stalked, threatened or fired from their jobs because of what they are saying or writing in public forums.
Did someone hit the “delete” button on free speech in America and not tell the rest of us?
In closing, I am sharing my favorite anecdote from Voltaire’s life because it also relates to today’s turmoil and should be food for thought. As he lay dying, a Catholic priest reportedly asked him to renounce Satan.
Voltaire’s response: “This is no time to be making enemies.”
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
