“It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.”

- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
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Quote
“It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously critiques the disconnect between the theoretical freedoms promised in democratic societies and the practical reality of how those freedoms are actually exercised. He starts by recognizing three fundamental freedoms that are central to the American ideal: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the ability to think and speak freely. However, he follows up with the ironic twist that prudence (or caution) often prevents people from actually practicing those freedoms, suggesting that while these rights exist on paper, they are frequently ignored or restricted in practice due to fear, social pressure, or political correctness.
Twain’s humor highlights the irony in how society values certain rights but often limits or avoids using them because of the consequences. For example, people might be hesitant to speak their mind due to social backlash, or they may refrain from expressing their true conscience for fear of repercussions. Twain’s wit here points out that the freedom to act is often compromised by the restraints people place on themselves—whether out of a desire for social harmony, personal safety, or fear of conflict.
In the modern context, this quote resonates strongly in discussions about free speech, censorship, and political correctness. While we enjoy the freedom to express ourselves and to hold differing beliefs, there is often a real hesitation to fully exercise these freedoms, especially when it comes to controversial issues or matters that could provoke criticism. Twain’s words remind us that while freedom of speech and freedom of conscience are fundamental rights, it’s easy to fall into the trap of pragmatic restraint, avoiding the full exercise of these freedoms for the sake of convenience or personal security. His humor encourages us to reflect on the balance between our rights and the consequences of exercising them.