2000 BC Freedom of Speech
More than 2000 years before the Christian era, a distinguished Chinese duke had this to say to a ruthless tyrant who had suppressed free speech:
All you have brought about is a screen which prevents you from learning the real sentiments of the people; but you should know that it is more dangerous to shut people’s mouths than to stop the waters of a river. To stop the progress of a river means to force it to expand and thus do more harm than if it had been allowed to take its natural course. Such is the case with your people. If you want to prevent the damage threatening from the inundation of a river, you have to lead it into a proper bed which will hold all of its waters; if you want to make an impression on the people, let them have perfect liberty of speech.
