Let's get real about free speech | Greg Lukianoff

TED Talks Daily

2025/06/24

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

"Too many people believe in something closer to freedom from speech rather than freedom of speech," says attorney Greg Lukianoff. In a timely talk, he warns against the rise of "mob censorship" — and reminds us why free speech is the best check on power ev...

Highlights

In an era where silencing opposing views has become increasingly common, attorney Greg Lukianoff sounds the alarm about the growing threat of mob censorship. He argues that this trend doesn't just stifle debate—it endangers truth, justice, and the vulnerable.

03:37

Free speech makes us safer and can cure violence

10:35

Even bad people can have good ideas; focus on the idea, not the person.

11:20

Labeling someone doesn't determine their correctness; truth comes from rechecking.

Chapters

What happens when we silence opposing voices?

00:00

Why free speech protects the most vulnerable

03:37

Four essential truths about free speech and power

07:18

Can we trust truth without questioning it?

11:20

Transcript

Adam Grant: Hey, it's Adam Grant from WorkLife, a podcast from TED. This episode is brought to you by Freshworks. Freshworks believes that complexity is the enemy of efficiency. So, stop wrestling with bloated, expensive service software that takes forever...