Censorship and Free Speech

by John McLaughlin

Is censorship, or “cancelling” people whose views do not align with our own the most constructive responses to speech or writings we find objectionable, or should they be tolerated under the banner of free speech? How can we resolve this conundrum?

The Baha’i Teachings do not support suppression of ideas or perspectives through censorship, but at the same time strongly condemn speech that attacks any member or group within the human family. The Baha’i Teachings regard freedom of speech as a vital right and prerequisite for social progress and unity, but this freedom is not absolute; it must be tempered with moderation, tact and wisdom to ensure it serves the common good and does not lead to disunity, slander, or other forms of harm. 

Regarding exercising wisdom with regards to our speech, Baha’u’llah wrote, “Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.” So, we must choose our words carefully!

As to our response to expression of ideas that do not align with our own, Baha’u’llah advised us, “…not to view with too critical an eye the sayings and writings of men. Let them rather approach such sayings and writings in a spirit of open-mindedness and loving sympathy.” That is, to be tolerant and to look beyond the words to try to see the situation through the eyes of the other.

And another response, if we wish to preserve the right of freedom of speech in the face of hateful or hurtful speech, is to not participate ourselves in the insult-oriented debates so common today, especially on social media platforms, but rather, to engage with people with a respectful, moderate tone, and thereby uphold and encourage civility.

An alternative to debate, which by its very nature tends towards acrimony, is the Baha'i process of consultation, which is an example of balanced free expression. The principles of Bahá'í consultation are based on the freedom of speech. Each person is required to express his or her views freely but with courtesy, dignity and care, and to show respect for the opinions of others. The object is to search for the best way, not to win an argument. Divergence of opinion is used as a tool rather than a hindrance:

"The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions".

As we endeavour to respond positively to conflict regarding censorship and freedom of speech, we may wish to consider Buckminster Fuller’s wise advice regarding promoting social change: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

A selection of quotes from the Bahá’í tradition about speech and censorship

Need for Wise Judgement in Exercising Free Speech:

“Speech is a powerful phenomenon. Its freedom is both to be extolled and feared. It calls for an acute exercise of judgement, since both the limitation of speech and the excess of it can lead to dire consequences.” The Universal House of Justice, Dec. 29, 1988 letter to the Bahá’ís of the United States

“Beware lest ye harm any soul, or make any heart to sorrow; lest ye wound any man with your words, be he known to you or a stranger, be he friend or foe.”  ʻAbdu’l-Bahá

The Power of Kind Speech:

“A kindly tongue is the lodestone [natural magnet] of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding…” Bahá’u’lláh

“One word is like unto springtime causing the tender saplings of the rose-garden of knowledge to become verdant and flourishing, while another word is even as a deadly poison. It behooveth a prudent man of wisdom to speak with utmost leniency and forbearance so that the sweetness of his words may induce everyone to attain that which befitteth man’s station…”  Bahá’u’lláh

Need for Moderation in Speech:

"Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation. As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom ..." Bahá’u’lláh

"For the tongue is a smouldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century."  Bahá’u’lláh

“In all matters moderation is desirable. If a thing is carried to excess, it will prove a source of evil.”   Bahá’u’lláh

Need for Speech to be Timely:

“Every word is endowed with a spirit, therefore the speaker or expounder should carefully deliver his words at the appropriate time and place, for the impression which each word maketh is clearly evident and perceptible.” Bahá’u’lláh

“Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.”  Bahá’u’lláh

Effectively Sharing Knowledge:

“…we should not belittle anyone and call him ignorant, saying: `You know not, but I know’. Rather, we should look upon others with respect, and when attempting to explain and demonstrate, we should speak as if we are investigating the truth, saying: `Here these things are before us. Let us investigate to determine where and in what form the truth can be found.’ The teacher should not consider himself as learned and others ignorant. Such a thought breedeth pride, and pride is not conducive to influence. The teacher should not see in himself any superiority; he should speak with the utmost kindliness, lowliness and humility, for such speech exerteth influence and educateth the souls.”   ʻAbdu’l-Bahá