what does this quote mean?

Question

"If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other it is the principle of free thought not the thought that we hate."

Answer 1

"If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other it is the principle of free thought -- not the thought that we hate."

When Oliver Wendell Holmes penned his thoughts on First Amendment rights, he carefully placed the dashes to make a break. Defenders of freedom of speech and expression often use his quote in their arguments to prevent government regulation of a cornerstone of American rights.