The only valid censorship of ideas is the right of people not to listen.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that the best way to stop ideas you don't like is to choose not to listen to them. People have the freedom to decide what they want to hear or read. They don't have to listen to ideas they disagree with. This is better than trying to stop those ideas from being shared in the first place.
More quotes from Tommy Smothers
When you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s hard to know when you’re finished.
Tommy Smothers
Red meat is not bad for you. Now blue-green meat, that’s bad for you!
Tommy Smothers
The ultimate censorship is the flick of the dial.
Tommy Smothers
The only valid censorship of ideas is the right of people not to listen.
Tommy Smothers