Free Thought and Official Propaganda

Free Thought and Official Propaganda

In this book, Bertrand Russell examines the relationship between free thought and official propaganda. He argues that the two are inextricably linked, and that the power of propaganda is such that it can be used to manipulate public opinion and shape the course of history. He examines the history of propaganda, from its use in ancient times to its modern applications, and discusses the implications of its use in a democratic society. He also looks at the role of the media in disseminating propaganda, and the dangers of allowing it to go unchecked. Finally, he offers his own thoughts on how to combat the power of propaganda and ensure that free thought is allowed to flourish.

By Bertrand Russell · First published 1922 · Genre: Philosophy, Non-Fiction, Political Science · 7,772 words

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Moncure Conway, in whose honour we are assembled to-day, devoted his life to two great objects: freedom of thought and freedom of the individual. In regard to both these objects, something has been gained since his time, but something also has been lost. New dangers, somewhat different in form from those of past ages, threaten both kinds of freedom, and unless a vigorous and vigilant public opinion can be aroused in defence of them, there will be much less of both a hundred years hence than there is now. My purpose in this address is to emphasize the new dangers and to consider how they can be met.

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Free thought · Liberalism · Propaganda · america · belief · believe · certain · could · country · education · free · freedom

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