Marketplace of Ideas:

 In 1644, November 23rd John Milton published "Areopagitica", a speech which introduced a revolutionary concept that is widely considered as one of the most influential factors that helped shape the ideas behind the first amendment. 

The original 1644 Pamphlet of
Areopagitica.

When Milton was writing this pamphlet, he was not just arguing against government licensing of printed materials, he was giving a foundation for what we know call the "Marketplace of Ideas." The First Amendment Watch states that Milton believed that free and open encounters between diverse views serve not to weaken the truth, but to confirm it. Milton was responding to the licensing order of 1643 which requires government approval before a book or story could be published or printed. This is an idea of censoring freedom of speech, which Milton deemed as a threat as an attempt to hide the truth. Milton continuously argued that if the truth and lies are allowed to come out, then the truth will ultimately prevail. 

        What really stands out to me is the emotional weight that is behind Milton's words. It is easy to see how truly passionate he is about how censorship hurts society. I find myself agreeing with him, because I believe we can only truly understand what is true when we confront the ideas that are in our way.

     It's truly discouraging to see how many lies we face today as a society with social media, and even well credible sources constantly misinterpreting important information and even twisting words to make information sound differently. In today's world, false information can spread faster than ever before and it could be very difficult sometimes to tell which is true or false. Although, Milton's writing inspires and influences many people across the world, including well known political philosopher John Locke. Locke and Milton's arguments had become part of the intellectual background that informed colonial resistance to leadership.

Milton Defending Free Speech
Nebraska Capital

    

    It's hard not to admire the courage and foresight that Milton showed in his writing. Even though its impossible to predict our current world challenges, the principal of his argument stands as something most people can agree with.  Milton's defense of the Marketplace of Ideas shows us that the truth is really not fragile. Truth may not always come out or win immediately, but giving it the chance to fight of falsehood is essential. Reading Milton's words makes me realize how deeply his ideas shaped the freedoms we can enjoy in today's society under the first amendment. For me, it is inspiring to see how just one Pamphlet written hundred and hundreds of years ago, can influence our freedom.