Franklin on Free Speech

Benjamin Franklin's Early Advocacy for Free Speech: Insights from the Silence Dogood Letters

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin is well-known for his contributions to the founding of the United States and his numerous inventions. However, his early writings also reveal his appreciation for the importance of free speech and thought in a free society. In 1722, using the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, Franklin wrote a series of letters to his brother James’ newspaper The New-England Courant. In one of these letters, he eloquently argued for the significance of free speech and thought, stating that "without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech, which is the right of every man."

The Silence Dogood Letters

The Silence Dogood Letters were a series of 14 essays written by Benjamin Franklin and published in The New-England Courant between April and October 1722. The letters were written under the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, a middle-aged widow with strong opinions on various social and political issues of the time.

The Significance of Free Speech

In the third letter, Franklin, as Mrs. Silence Dogood, emphasizes the importance of free speech and thought in a democratic society. She argues that "without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech, which is the right of every man."

Franklin's words highlight his belief that free speech is essential for the pursuit of wisdom and the preservation of public liberty. He suggests that individuals must be able to express their thoughts and ideas openly and without fear of retribution in order to foster a society where wisdom can flourish and public decisions can be made with the benefit of diverse perspectives.

Sources

You will have to agree to the license on the site and search by name. to find the Dogood Letters.  A direct link does not work as the site is a 'framed' site.  So, start here https://franklinpapers.org/ to begin your search for the Dogood Letters.

Conclusion

Benjamin Franklin's early writings, even under a pseudonym, reveal his deep understanding of the importance of free speech and thought in a democratic society. His words from the Silence Dogood Letters continue to resonate today, reminding us of the essential role of free expression in fostering wisdom and preserving public liberty. By revisiting these early writings, we can gain a better understanding of Franklin's principles and values, which have significantly influenced the development of American democracy.