It is a common misconception that free speech is a matter for governments: that all that is needed is immunity from prosecution, and people will speak their minds. But the social environment is just as vital. For people to talk freely, they need to feel that they will be listened to in good faith, given the benefit of the doubt, allowed to try ideas on for size, to think aloud, explore and investigate without limits—to voice what is in their hearts and on their minds, even if it is confused, delusional, prejudiced, even hateful. And, above all, people need to be allowed to be wrong. Many opponents of free speech argue that Christopher Hitchens was wrong to describe sunlight as the best disinfectant: according to such advocates, it’s bleach. But, as Jan-Helge Lillevik has pointed out, bleach is a toxic substance that we use to eradicate germs. This is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. To err is human and—with apologies to Alexander Pope—to forgive needs to become human, too.
A worthwhile read.
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