Who said “If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at…”?

Verified

Noam Chomsky. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceNoam Chomsky in interview by John Pilger on The Late Show BBC Television, November 25, 1992 .

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“If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.”
VerifiedNoam Chomsky in interview by John Pilger on The Late Show BBC Television, November 25, 1992 . · evidenceFreedom of Speech
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Noam Chomsky in interview by John Pilger on The Late Show BBC Television, November 25, 1992 ..

APA

Chomsky, N. (n.d.). If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18576-if-we-dont-believe-in-free-expression-for/

MLA

Chomsky, Noam. “If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18576-if-we-dont-believe-in-free-expression-for/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Chomsky, Noam. “If we don't believe in free expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18576-if-we-dont-believe-in-free-expression-for/.