Written by 
George Washington never wrote a single famous statement that exactly says “freedom of speech” in the way many internet memes claim. However, throughout his writings and public addresses, he strongly supported the principles of free expression, a free press (while also emphasizing responsibility), and the right of citizens to discuss public affairs.
Here are some of his best-authenticated quotes related to freedom of speech and liberty:
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
This is one of Washington’s most famous quotations on free speech. It appears in his notes from the debates of the Constitutional Convention, where he copied a statement originally made by William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. Although Washington preserved and repeated it, historians generally do not consider it to be his original wording.
On liberty
“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
— Letter to James Madison, March 2, 1788.
Washington believed liberty naturally flourishes once people are allowed to govern themselves responsibly.
On freedom and constitutional government
“The freedom of opinion is one of the inalienable rights of man.”
This sentiment appears in Washington’s correspondence and reflects his belief that individuals possess the natural right to hold and express their opinions.
On the press
Washington had a complicated relationship with newspapers. He frequently criticized partisan attacks against him, yet he acknowledged the importance of a free press in a republic. He wrote:
“For if men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments… reason is of no use to us.”
This reflects his belief that debate and discussion are essential for self-government.
On protecting liberty
From his Farewell Address:
“The Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”
Washington believed liberty depended not only on rights like free speech but also on respect for constitutional law and civic responsibility.
Washington’s overall view
Washington viewed freedom of speech as essential because:
- Citizens must be able to criticize their government.
- Open discussion helps preserve liberty.
- Public debate leads to wiser decisions.
- Freedom should be exercised responsibly rather than maliciously.
At the same time, he warned that lies, factionalism, and excessive political division could threaten the survival of the republic. He believed freedom and civic virtue had to work together.
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Matthew 6:26
“Door kick challenge” TikTok trend now a problem in Westboro, Massachusetts: “It’s terrifying”
Police in Westboro, Massachusetts, are warning homeowners about an alarming and potentially dangerous TikTok trend called the “door kick challenge.” Investigators have had several reports in town recently of strangers…
Keep reading
When God’s Chastening Brings Discipline and the Fruit of Righteousness
You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need. Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable…
Keep reading
Michigan audit finds thousands of foster children without oversight; Advocates disagree
An audit of Michigan’s foster care system revealed that more than half of children in its care didn’t receive monitoring by the state to make sure their needs were being…
Keep reading
Massachusetts town approves new bylaw to restrict Amazon drone deliveries: “Like David and Goliath”
Residents in Westboro, Massachusetts, are pushing back against Amazon’s plans to launch drone deliveries in their community, overwhelmingly approving a new bylaw aimed at restricting the service. At a special…
Keep reading
Trump says U.S. will compensate fraud whistleblowers, and he’ll decide who gets paid: “I will be very generous”
President Trump on Tuesday announced the federal government will compensate whistleblowers who report people defrauding the U.S. government and taxpayers, but said he will decide who gets paid. “I will…
Keep reading
Amazon says it will hire 300,000 workers for seasonal jobs this year
Amazon said on Tuesday that it plans to hire 300,000 seasonal, part-time and full-time workers across the U.S. this holiday season, up 20% from the same period last year. Holiday…
Keep reading
When Growth Hurts: Finding God’s Purpose in Your Struggle
The pain of discipline may sting today, but we are reminded that endurance turns today’s struggle into tomorrow’s strength, producing a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who refuse…
Keep reading
The Canadian Vote that Stomped on Some; but Showed How the Majority Stands
Alberta voters reject move toward separation from Canada in referendum Voters in Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta have rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence, results showed early…
Keep reading
Canadian tourist guilty of animal cruelty after stealing Las Vegas flamingo
A Canadian man has been found guilty of animal cruelty after he took a flamingo from its enclosure in Las Vegas and brought it back to his hotel room during…
Keep reading
Is Jesus Getting Your Attention—or Is Distraction Winning?
Your attention is one of the most valuable things you own, and everyone wants a piece of it. The question isn’t whether something is getting your attention—the question is whether…
Keep reading
What Do You Do When Your New Truck Tells You No?
What happens when your new truck decides you’re not allowed to drive it? Modern trucks and SUVs are becoming rolling computers, packed with driver monitoring systems, advanced driver assistance technology,…
Keep reading
Burmese Military Occupying Two Churches in Kachin State
According to civil society sources, militias associated with the Burmese military dictatorship operating in Kachin state are using church grounds for military purposes. The U.S.-based Burma Research Institute (BRI) verified…
Keep reading
Bears out of Middlebury tree
A mama bear and her two cubs are out of a tree after being stuck for 2 days. The Middlebury Police Department says a mama bear and her two cubs…
Keep reading
Expedition to find Amelia Earhart’s missing plane comes up empty
A mysterious object discovered near a remote Pacific island is not the wreckage of Amelia Earhart’s missing plane, researchers said after an expedition to the site, dealing another setback to…
Keep reading
Man says monkey threw his cat into pond before attacking him in Yamaguchi
After several months of bears dominating reports of startling wildlife encounters in Japan, it seems as though the nation’s monkeys have decided to take that notoriety as a challenge. We’ve…
Keep reading
Hunted for Following Jesus
In some communities, Muslims who leave Islam to follow Christ face rejection, threats, violence, and even death because of their faith. For Muslim-background believers, choosing to follow Jesus can place…
Keep reading
Faith in Jesus, Not the Law: The Heart of Romans 3:21–26
You can spend your whole life trying to prove you’re good enough, but Romans 3 reminds us that salvation was never something you could earn, it is a gift you…
Keep reading
Alberta heads to polls to decide whether to hold vote on separation from Canada
People in the province of Alberta head to the polls on Monday to decide whether to hold a referendum at a later date on separating from Canada. The vote was…
Keep reading
Protecting the Vulnerable: A Church’s Responsibility
Good intentions do not excuse harmful outcomes. When churches prioritize growth, image, or outreach over safety, they step into dangerous territory. This is the blind spot Scripture repeatedly warns us…
Keep reading
Christian’s Death Sentence Upheld in Pakistan
In 2018, two Christian brothers were sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. After about a decade of fighting for their freedom, one brother was acquitted by Pakistan’s Supreme Court…
Keep reading
24 South Korean Christians Arrested at Nepalese Bible College
Nepalese Police have arrested 24 South Korean Christians after complaints were lodged against them for “illegal religious teaching, training, and promotion.” Sources in Nepal and South Korea state that the…
Keep reading
Fix Your Eyes on Christ: Clarity for a Distracted Heart
God has spoken, and His greatest message is not a philosophy, an idea, or a feeling it is Jesus Christ. When the world fills your mind with competing voices and…
Keep reading
Fix Your Eyes on Christ: The Only Way, Truth, and Life
In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything around you tries…
Keep reading
How to Lay Aside Life’s Weights and Focus on Jesus
Whatever you constantly look at will eventually influence how you live. When the world gets loud and life gets overwhelming, don’t stare harder at the distraction, look up and fix…
Keep reading
Trump says “massive” oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland is “getting ready to begin”
President Trump said Wednesday that “massive” oil, gas and mineral exploration is preparing to begin in Greenland. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said “Massive…
Keep reading
UN Special Rapporteur calls for end to ‘coerced’ abortion
Christian legal advocacy group the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) has welcomed moves by the UN to recognise “coerced” abortion as a form of violence against mothers. Earlier…
Keep reading
Trump pardons diesel mechanics for Clean Air Act violations at Alaska rally
President Donald Trump issued pardons at a campaign rally in Alaska on Tuesday for two diesel mechanics who were previously charged with and pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air…
Keep reading
Cecil County neighbors demand action after nearly 11,000 fish killed in Basin Run – CBS Baltimore
Neighbors in Cecil County say they are fed up with a local farm owner they blame for contaminating nearby waterways. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) says manure runoff…
Keep reading
Texas trooper rescues injured owl along I-10 near Van Horn
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper helped rescue an injured owl found in the center median of Interstate 10 near Van Horn, highlighting the role law enforcement can play…
Keep reading
Modesto considers fines up to $5,000 for reckless bike riding
The Modesto City Council is moving forward with a proposed crackdown on reckless bicycle and e-bike riding, including fines of up to $5,000 and the possible impoundment of bikes for…
Keep readingSomething went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Discover more from Drink of Jesus
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.