sadhatter
Philosopher
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2009
- Messages
- 8,694
Oh, I thought that quote was attributed to Oscar Wikde like so many others...
I hope that Voltaire was not declaring his willingness to die just so some scumbag could call another human being an abhorrent, demeaning racial insult. Somehow I always pictured this stirring declaration to refer to a defense of ideas more soul stirring and important to our civilization and to our society than slimy school yard taunts. Maybe issues and discussions that seek to bring out the best in us. Maybe a debate on Marxism vs. capitalism. Or the role of marriage in society. It is important to hear all sides in these types of discussion. The freedom to insult, threaten, debase, and demean others? Not high on my list of things to die for.
And are you certain the UN charter states that any jerk has the right to say any noxious and disgusting thing they wish and never be condemned by any other private citizen or private organization? Didn't you already state your understanding of the difference between frredom from government repercussions and freedom from other people calling a jerk a jerk?
Funny how the ideas that shouldn't be protected are ones you don't like. You realize ideas people like don't need protection, right? So your interpretation is quite obviously wrong.
Unless you believe a good translation is "I don't believe like you, but if I like how you believe I will die for your ability to say so. "