We have to respect freedom only when it is intended for freedom, not when it strays, flees itself, and resigns itself. A freedom which is interested only in denying freedom must be denied. And it is not true that the recognition of the freedom of others limits my own freedom: to be free is not to have the power to do anything you like; it is to be able to surpass the given toward an open future; the existence of others as a freedom defines my situation and is even the condition of my own freedom. I am oppressed if I am thrown into prison, but not if I am kept from throwing my neighbor into prison. . Simone De Beauvoir
About This Quote

"To respect freedom only when it is intended for freedom, not when it strays, flees itself, and resigns itself" is a powerful statement. The idea he is getting across is that no one has the right to restrict another's right to free speech. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. It isn't proper for people to demonize certain types of speech or even actions because of the way they are perceived by others.

Source: The Ethics Of Ambiguity

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More Quotes By Simone De Beauvoir
  1. In itself, homosexuality is as limiting as heterosexuality: the ideal should be to be capable of loving a woman or a man; either, a human being, without feeling fear, restraint, or obligation.
  2. One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, and compassion
  3. Two separate beings, in different circumstances, face to face in freedom and seeking justification of their existence through one another, will always live an adventure full of risk and promise." (p. 248)
  4. I am incapable of conceiving infinity, and yet I do not accept finity. I want this adventure that is the context of my life to go on without end.
  5. I am awfully greedy; I want everything from life. I want to be a woman and to be a man, to have many friends and to have loneliness, to work much and write good books, to travel and enjoy myself, to be selfish and to...
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