The Most Important Value of Free Expression

Today in class we discussed the eight values of free expression. These values are: Discovery of Truth, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent.  

The most important value of free expression in my opinion is its promotion of innovation. Without innovation how can a society progress? To put the answer simply, it wont. When free speech is protected a community is likely to be more energized and creative. When a community is more innovative, then as a result, you see more new ideas and new inventions. Imaging how boring the world would be without free speech. I believe that society would be at a stand-still without it. Luckily in America there is freedom of speech which of course leads to innovation.

So what would be an example of freedom of speech leading to innovation? Well lets say there was a rule that didn't allow wheelchairs in a certain area. So someone speaks out on this issue saying that it is unfair to the disabled. Then a group of people come together to protest this rule until changes are made. Now the issue is resolved and the needs of disabled people are met. Without the ability to speak out change would not be able to take place in a community.