Free Speech Teaches Value of Self-RestraintSome may seem to abuse their liberty by saying things that violateour basic values. But it is partly because such speech is protected that the free speech idea holds such a peculiar and powerful fascination for us ALL EDITIONS

• Published in: Newsday
• Main Author: By Lee C. Bollinger. Lee C. Bollinger is professor of
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Long Island, N.Y Newsday LLC 09.11.1986
• Edition: Combined editions

The history of the principle of free speech dates at least to the 17th Century, when John Milton wrote his famous defense of liberty of speech and press. The contemporary rhetoric of free speech draws heavily on the writings of these earlier centuries. Yet the social and political functions of free speech have changed significantly. This points to yet another obstacle in understanding the concept of free speech in contemporary American society: The free speech idea remains one of our foremost cultural symbols. It is suffused with symbolic significance. As for its impact on individual behavior, Mark Twain's notorious comment on the subject retains its sting: "It is by the goodness of God," he said, "that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience 3/8Newsday Photo by Gary Viskupic - and the prudence never to practice either of them." A good part of the extremist speech we are talking about is often unworthy of protection in itself and might well be legally prohibited for entirely proper reasons. To acknowledge that, however, does not mean that a choice to tolerate such speech is irrational or unwise. The problematic feelings evoked by this kind of speech are precisely the feelings evoked by a myriad of interactions in the society.