A Brief Pondering of Twain's Notion that Free Speech Does Not Exist Until You're Dead

Words are quite paradoxical. They can be both powerful and meaningless, depending on the particular context in which they are delivered. Sometimes, they may even be both simultaneously. Mark Twain commented in his essay, “The Privilege of the Grave,” that “It’s occupant has one privilege which is not exercised by any living person: free speech. The living man is not really without this privilege- strictly speaking- but he possesses it merely as an empty formality, and knows better than to make use of it, it cannot be seriously regarded as an actual possession….We may exercise it if we are willing to take the consequences.” What more can I say? The master has spoken.

Too often I have witnessed people too meek and cowardly to stand up for their own convictions. The examples I can recall from the recent past were most often involved with a political or religious implication (Mama always said, “don’t talk politics and religion!”). I believe that this is one of the travesties of American culture. We boast all over the place about what a free nation it is in which we live, yet we don’t allow ourselves the luxury. I am a fan, however, of quality versus quantity when it comes to many things. “Empty vessels make the most noise” you know.

Too often voices that could make a difference do not rise to the occasion. These are the voices that fear retribution for themselves, their families, and their friends. While I would applaud their commendable efforts in what they think is an act of protecting their loved ones, I also think that the concepts of justice and righteousness are in great need of a few more outspoken supporters. Even these conceptions are not liberated from corruption.

As Twain suggests, is free speech really not an applicable right? If the direct result of it is vengeance, I feel I would be remiss if I did not agree. Free speech is indeed an optimistic concept, but any kind of freedom, ironically enough, comes with a price to pay. Twain compared the acts of murder and free speech by writing, “Murder is sometimes punished, free speech always- when committed. Which is seldom.”