It is becoming increasingly clear that it is respect for the dignity of the individual that most sharply differentiates democratic from totalitarian system. Granted this basic principle, it follows that any conduct of the state that impairs the dignity of man is dangerous. And any argument for conformity that finds its ultimate sanction in force rather than in reason strikes at the integrity of the individual, and thus at the basic principle of democracy.

Henry Steele Commager (1902–1998) American historian, writer, activist

Essay (1954), “The Necessity of Freedom,” Freedom, Loyalty, Dissent
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An earlier version of the essay was given as "The Pragmatic Necessity for Freedom," Cooper Lecture, Swarthmore College (1951), and a lecture of this name at Cornell University (1953-10).