"I suppose that writers should, in a way, feel flattered by the censorship laws. They show a primitive fear and dread at the fearful magic of print"
- John Mortimer
About this Quote
In this quote, John Mortimer recommends that censorship laws work as proof of the power of the composed word. He argues that writers need to not be hindered by censorship, but rather take it as a compliment. He thinks that the fear and dread demonstrated by those who enforce censorship laws is rooted in an ancient belief that the composed word holds an extraordinary power that can affect and spread out ideas. Mortimer highlights the significance of liberty of expression and the prospective risk of suppressing it. In general, the quote recommends that censorship laws must not be seen as a risk to authors however as a testimony to the impact their words can have.
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