Everyone is by absolute natural right the master of his own thoughts, and thus utter failure will attend any attempt in a commonwealth to force men to speak only as prescribed by the sovereign despite their different and opposing opinions.

Baruch Spinoza
About This Quote

The right to express one’s opinion is one of the pillars of the democratic system, but it also carries an inherent risk. Because it allows people to say things that are unpopular or even blatantly wrong, it has the potential to undermine the entire system. When someone expresses an opinion, no matter how wrong it may be, there is a chance that others will accept it as truth. This could lead to society being dominated by an individual who is not held accountable for their beliefs. John Locke wrote that anyone who tries to force others to speak only as prescribed by the sovereign will only end up causing great harm because there are always differing opinions.

Source: Theologicalpolitical Treatise

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