The transformative power of literature in fostering a fundamental understanding of the importance of free speech and human flourishing can not be underestimated. Books, and the ideas they carry forth, are foundational to this understanding.
For those interested in immersing themselves in the ideas of free speech, our network of scholars have compiled a reading list championing this alienable right and actions that can be taken to help preserve it. Together, these works assert that the theme of free speech and classical liberalism ideas are not only key—but are indispensable in the quest for a free and flourishing society.
Free Speech: What Everyone Should Know by Nadine Strossen
This examination by IHS scholar, free speech advocate, and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), dives deep into the contentious debate surrounding hate speech versus free speech. It is a foundational text for contemporary civil liberties discourse. Strossen’s work provides a nuanced understanding of the legal and ethical dimensions of contemporary free speech issues. Her book is a key text in understanding and defending the most basic human rights of all citizens.
Private Censorship by J.P. Messina
J.P. Messina explores private censorship as a new battleground for freedom of expression. With corporations taking on the role of arbiters of speech, Messina’s work provides insights into how private power can both support and undermine free speech. His analysis is essential for anyone concerned with maintaining a truly open marketplace of ideas.
Why It’s Okay to Speak Your Mind, by Hrishikesh Suhas Joshi
With support from an IHS grant, Joshi’s book delves into the impact of social pressures on the confidence of one to engage in open dialogue, and our responsibility to strive for open-mindedness in a polarized era. Why It’s Okay to Speak Your Mind passionately expands on the boundaries of free speech in contemporary American life, reaching audiences both within and beyond the classroom, exploring the interconnectedness of individuals within communities, and the crucial role incentives play in shaping discourse.
Liar in a Crowded Theater: Freedom of Speech in a World of Misinformation by Jeff Kosseff
In today’s digital era, the concept of free speech has been complicated by the vast spread of misinformation. IHS scholar, Jeff Kosseff, navigates this treacherous terrain in his book, offering insights into how we can maintain the spirit of free speech in an era of digital disinformation without undermining its core principles. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in how our current environment challenges our commitment to free speech and how we might adapt without sacrificing its essence.
By engaging with these texts and the ideas they present, readers are able to explore the challenges to free speech in society today. It is through this rigorous examination and internalization of enduring values that we can stand against the erosion of free speech and that underpin our freedom.
To learn more about these authors, the importance of free speech and open inquiry, and how you can support scholars like the ones featured above whose work aims to protect these essential freedoms, visit TheIHS.org
