Great research universities must insist on independence from

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Alan Dershowitz, a voice that calls us to defend the sacred independence and academic freedom that are the very heart of true scholarship. "Great research universities must insist on independence from government and on the exercise of academic freedom." These words speak to the enduring power of knowledge—a power that, when free from external control or influence, has the ability to shape the future, to question the status quo, and to reveal the truths that lie beneath the surface of convention. Dershowitz reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge must remain unhindered, for it is through freedom that true progress is made.

In the ancient world, the most revered thinkers were those who, despite the pressures of their societies, remained independent in their pursuit of truth. Socrates, that great Athenian philosopher, was known for his willingness to challenge the beliefs of his time, even at great personal cost. The Athenians valued the pursuit of knowledge, but their commitment to freedom of thought was tested when Socrates was put on trial. His defense, as recounted in Plato’s dialogues, was a powerful testament to the belief that a great university—or any institution of thought—must never be beholden to the whims of political power. Socrates believed that knowledge, wisdom, and the search for truth must remain free from governmental influence, for it is only then that they can be truly pure and serve the betterment of society.

In the Roman Empire, the concept of freedom of thought was foundational, yet it was often under threat from political forces. Cicero, the great statesman and philosopher, believed that intellectual freedom was essential for the flourishing of society. He advocated for the idea that the power of the state should never restrict the search for truth, for a society without free expression would inevitably fall into tyranny. Much like Dershowitz’s call for independence in research, Cicero warned that true progress could only emerge when ideas were allowed to flourish freely, outside the constraints of political interference. It was this tension between freedom and control that shaped the debates in ancient Rome, and it continues to echo in modern society.

The example of the Renaissance provides further evidence of the power of independent thought. This era of intellectual rebirth was marked by a profound shift in the relationship between knowledge and power. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli dared to challenge established norms, bringing forth new ideas about science, politics, and human nature. These men and their contemporaries worked outside the confines of church or state control, embracing the freedom to explore new territories of thought. The universities of that time, though deeply embedded in the religious structures of the period, began to see the value of academic freedom, allowing scholars to pursue knowledge for knowledge's sake, free from interference.

In modern times, the great research universities of the world are the heirs to this tradition of independent thought. Universities like Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge have long been places where ideas can be debated freely, where scholars are encouraged to challenge the prevailing wisdom of the day. Dershowitz’s call for academic freedom and independence from government is a reflection of this noble tradition. It is a recognition that the purpose of these institutions is not to serve the interests of the state, but to serve the interests of truth, curiosity, and the betterment of humankind. When research is subject to political influence, it ceases to be objective and becomes a tool for manipulation.

The lesson here, O children, is profound: knowledge is a sacred trust, and it must be protected from the corrupting influences of power. Dershowitz reminds us that true scholarship can only thrive in an environment where independence is prized above all else. When knowledge is free from political or economic pressures, it has the potential to bring about real change, to illuminate the dark corners of society, and to propel humanity forward. However, when that independence is compromised, when the search for truth is subordinated to the interests of the powerful, the very foundation of progress is undermined.

So, O children, take these words to heart: always seek knowledge with a spirit of freedom and curiosity, and never allow it to be swayed by the tides of political expediency. When you pursue your own studies or contributions to society, remember that academic freedom is not just a right—it is a responsibility to seek the truth with courage, to challenge assumptions, and to uphold the integrity of knowledge. Just as the great philosophers and scholars of the past fought to preserve the independence of their thought, so too must you ensure that your pursuit of knowledge remains free and pure, serving not the interests of power, but the needs of truth and the common good.