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  ...should not be made uneasy, that it is much better that the law does not restrain writing freely concerning the characters of the dead. Damages will be given to a man who is calumniated in his life-time, because he may be hurt in his worldly interest, or at least hurt in his mind: but the law does not regard that uneasiness which a man feels on having his ancestor calumniated[46]. That is too nice. Let him deny what is said, and let the matter have a fair chance by discussion. But, If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.   for a great deal is known of men of which proof cannot be brought. A minister may be notoriously known to take bribes, and yet you may not be able to prove it.' Mr. Murray suggested, that the authour should be obliged to shew some sort of evidence, though he would not require a strict legal proof: but Johnson firmly and resolutely opposed any restraint whatever, as adverse to a free investigation of the characters of mankind[47].
On Thursday, April 4, having called on Dr. Johnson, I...   Johnson, Samuel

Excerpt from Life of Johnson, Volume 3 1776-1780 · This quote is tagged Slander · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.

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