The backwards logic of censorship
Synopsis: The Backwards Logic of Censorship
In this thought-provoking episode of @The-Well, historian and free speech advocate Jacob Mchangama explores the paradoxical effects of censorship. Delving into historical examples, such as the crucifixion of Jesus and the trial of Socrates, Mchangama illustrates how attempts to silence dissenting voices often backfire, inadvertently magnifying their influence. He cites the modern-day “Streisand Effect,” where efforts to suppress information merely increase interest and exposure, as exemplified by Barbra Streisand’s attempt to remove a photo of her Malibu mansion.
Mchangama argues that while free speech can lead to uncomfortable or chaotic discourse, its benefits far outweigh the perceived need for control. Rather than suppressing undesirable ideas, society should embrace the messiness of free expression, fostering a richer and more inclusive public dialogue. His insights prompt a critical examination of current attitudes toward censorship, emphasizing that true progress lies in safeguarding the freedom to express diverse opinions.
Join Jacob Mchangama on this enlightening journey to understand why the quest to silence voices may ultimately empower them, making a compelling case for the protection of free speech as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. Don’t miss the chance to subscribe to The Well for more enlightening discussions!
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Author Video Description
This interview is an episode from @The-Well, our publication about ideas that inspire a life well-lived, created with the @JohnTempletonFoundation.
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Historian and free speech advocate Jacob Mchangama explains how suppressing voices often has the opposite effect. From the crucifixion of Jesus fueling Christianity to Barbra Streisand accidentally amplifying photos of her Malibu mansion, attempts at censorship often strengthen what they aim to silence. Mchangama argues that while free speech can be messy and ugly, it remains essential to preserve its many benefits.
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About Jacob Mchangama:
Jacob Mchangama founded and leads The Future of Free Speech, is a research professor at Vanderbilt, and a Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). A prolific commentator and author on free speech and human rights, he created the podcast “Clear and Present Danger” and wrote the 2022 book “Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media.”
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Video “The backwards logic of censorship” was uploaded on 10/21/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think