Democracy is the art of thinking independently together.

In order to be appropriately knowledgeable there must be no constraints on the free flow of information and ideas. Alexander Meiklejohn (February 1 1872 – December 17 1964) was a philosopher university administrator and free-speech advocate. Meiklejohn acknowledges that the desire to manipulate opinion can stem from the motive of seeking to benefit society.

He served as dean of Brown University and president of Amherst College. Alexander Meiklejohn (February 1 1872 – December 17 1964) was a philosopher university administrator and free-speech advocate.