“If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter”. – George Washington
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. What does the following quotation convey to you in the present context? (10 M)
“If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter”. – George Washington
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question Recent global and national trends of suppressing dissent, criminalising expression, and digital surveillance have raised concerns about erosion of democratic values. Key Demand of the question The question requires interpreting the ethical and political warning in the quote and relating it to the current curbs on free speech and their impact on democracy and civil society. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Explain how the quote warns that curbing speech leads to loss of public agency, moral decline, and opens the door to authoritarian rule. Body Show how suppression of speech results in passive societies, weakened accountability, and unchallenged power. Link it to present-day examples like media crackdowns, student suppression, misuse of sedition/UAPA, and digital censorship. Conclusion Reinforce that defending freedom of speech is essential to preserve democratic soul, civic courage, and resistance to injustice.
Why the question Recent global and national trends of suppressing dissent, criminalising expression, and digital surveillance have raised concerns about erosion of democratic values.
Key Demand of the question The question requires interpreting the ethical and political warning in the quote and relating it to the current curbs on free speech and their impact on democracy and civil society.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction Explain how the quote warns that curbing speech leads to loss of public agency, moral decline, and opens the door to authoritarian rule.
• Show how suppression of speech results in passive societies, weakened accountability, and unchallenged power.
• Link it to present-day examples like media crackdowns, student suppression, misuse of sedition/UAPA, and digital censorship.
Conclusion Reinforce that defending freedom of speech is essential to preserve democratic soul, civic courage, and resistance to injustice.