The fight for freedom of expression has deep roots, stretching back to ancient civilizations.

In Ancient Greece, philosophers like Socrates and later writers like Euripides challenged

norms through open dialogue—often at great personal risk. Socrates was even sentenced

to death for “corrupting the youth” through his ideas.

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During the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, thinkers like Voltaire and John Milton

argued  for the right to speak and publish freely, helping shape the foundations of modern

democracy. These ideas later influenced landmark documents like the U.S. Bill of Rights and

France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

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But history also tells a story of suppression. From book burnings and banned artworks to jailed

dissidents and censored media, freedom of expression has often been limited by governments,

religions, or societal pressures—especially in times of war, revolution, or moral panic.

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Today, while many enjoy more expressive freedom than ever before, the debate continues:

How do we balance protection of speech with concerns about harm, misinformation, or

offense? This gallery explores how these tensions play out across time, culture, and art.