Christopher Hitchens was well known author, speaker, and religious critic. Born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, 13 April 1949, and after a long struggle with cancer, he died at age 62, 15 December 2011. Whether we agreed with Hitchens or not, he was certainly a witty and controversial figure. Although, he was probably most famous for his critiques of religion, some people would say his most valuable contributions were that of Free Speech. In respect to that, here are 5 of his greatest quotes regarding Free Speech.
To whom do you award the right to decide which speech is harmful, or who is the harmful speaker? Or to determine in advance what are the harmful consequences going to be, that we know enough about in advance to prevent? To whom would you give this job? To whom are you going to award the task of being the censor? Isn't it a famous old story that the man who has to read all the pornography, in order to decide what's fit to be passed and what isn't, is the man most likely to become debauched? Did you hear any speaker of the opposition to this motion – eloquent as one of them was – to whom you would delegate the task of deciding for you what you could read? To whom you would give the job of deciding for you? Relieve you from the responsibility of hearing what you might have to hear? Do you know anyone? Hands up, do you know anyone to whom you'd give this job? Does anyone have a nominee?
Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate - 15 November 2006There is a utilitarian case for free expression. It recognizes that the freedom to speak must also be insisted on for the person who thinks differently, because it is pointless to support only free speech for people who agree with you. It is not only unprincipled to want that, but also self-defeating. For your own sake, you need to know how other people think.
Forbidden Thoughts, American Enterprise - January 1995We may differ on many things, but what we respect is free inquiry, openmindedness, and the pursuit of ideas for their own sake.
God is not great - 2007The only thing that should be upheld at all costs and without qualification is the right of free expression, because if that goes, then so do all other claims of right as well.
Assassins of the mind - Feb 2009One of the proudest moments of my life, that’s to say, in the recent past, has been defending the British historian David Irving, who is now in prison in Austria for nothing more than the potential of uttering an unwelcome thought on Austrian soil. He didn’t actually say anything in Austria. He wasn’t even accused of saying anything. He was accused of perhaps planning to say something...
Be It Resolved: Freedom of Speech Includes the Freedom to Hate - 15 November 2006
Bonus Quote Funny:
Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God.