1776Reporting
George Washington famously stated, “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” While this widely shared quote has been shortened over time, it still captures the essence of his original words from a speech delivered on March 15, 1783.
This quote has appeared frequently across the internet, particularly on social media. It’s been shared on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, formerly known as Twitter. For instance, X CEO Linda Yaccarino posted it on August 26, 2024, receiving a significant response with over 70,000 likes and 16,000 reposts.
If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
– George Washington— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) August 26, 2024
Despite its popularity, some users have questioned the authenticity of the quote. In a Reddit post from March 2023, one user commented, “My spidey sense tells me that George never said that.” Another Redditor raised doubts in 2020, asking, “What is the source of this quote?” These doubts stem from the fact that many quotes have been incorrectly attributed to Washington, as past investigations by sources like Snopes have revealed.
In this case, however, the quote can be traced back to Washington, although it has been simplified. The original quote came from his speech, known as the “Newburgh Address,” delivered in Newburgh, New York. Washington gave this speech to rally support from Continental Army officers who were frustrated over unpaid wages and threatening to revolt.
The full version of Washington’s speech is available online through several trusted sources, including the National Archives’ Founders Online and the National Constitution Center. A handwritten version of the speech can also be found in the Massachusetts Historical Society’s online collections, allowing readers to view Washington’s original words alongside a transcription.
The key passage in the speech, which forms the basis of the widely circulated quote, reads as follows:
“With respect to the advice given by the Author—to suspect the Man, who shall recommend moderate measures and longer forbearance—I spurn it—as every Man, who regards that liberty, & reveres that Justice for which we contend, undoubtedly must—for if Men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind; reason is of no use to us—the freedom of Speech may be taken away—and, dumb & silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.”
While the internet version removes much of Washington’s original wording, the core message remains intact: without freedom of speech, people risk becoming passive and powerless. Although the abridged quote omits details, it stays true to the meaning of the original. Consequently, this popular version of Washington’s words can be considered an accurate representation, even if not a verbatim reproduction.
Ultimately, the shortened quote retains the same warning that Washington intended in his speech: the vital importance of free expression. In a world where misinformation can easily spread, it’s reassuring to know that this famous quote holds up to scrutiny.
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