One of the unsung freedoms that go with a free press is the

Host: The room feels reflective as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, contemplating the deeper layers of Ferdinand Mount’s words. The quote about the freedom of the press touches on both the power and responsibility of the media, and how we as individuals engage with it.

Jack: “Ferdinand Mount said, ‘One of the unsung freedoms that go with a free press is the freedom not to read it.’” He repeats the words thoughtfully, allowing the weight of the statement to sink in. “It’s interesting, isn’t it? We often talk about the freedom of the press as a fundamental right — the ability to publish, to inform, to speak truth to power. But Mount’s perspective flips that a bit, saying there’s a freedom in choosing not to engage with it. The idea that, even with all the information at our fingertips, we still have the choice to step back and not consume it.” He looks at Jeeny, curious. “What do you think about that? Can choosing not to read the news be seen as a freedom in itself?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s a powerful perspective. A free press provides the information we need to make informed decisions, to stay engaged with the world. But Mount is pointing out that there’s a kind of freedom in choosing not to be overwhelmed by it. In a world where information is constant and relentless, sometimes stepping back, disconnecting, or choosing to disengage can be an act of self-preservation. It’s not just about the freedom to read; it’s about the freedom to protect your mental and emotional space.” Her voice is thoughtful, recognizing the complexity of the relationship between the public and the media. “That freedom to say, ‘I don’t have to take this in right now,’ is important, especially in a time when news can be so consuming and often overwhelming.”

Jack: “Right, and that’s the balance, isn’t it? A free press gives us the ability to access information, but it also gives us the ability to step back from it when it becomes too much, when it feels like we’re being inundated with stories that don’t serve us, or that we just can’t process.” His voice grows more reflective, as if he’s considering the deeper implications of how we interact with media. “The freedom not to engage with it is just as valuable as the freedom to read it. It’s about how we choose to interact with the media and control our own narrative, rather than letting it control us.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. There’s a lot of power in that choice. It’s easy to feel like we have to stay connected all the time, that we can’t miss anything or we’ll be left behind. But stepping away from the news — whether it’s for a moment of clarity or just for our own peace of mind — is a way to reclaim control over how we process information and how much of it we let in.” She smiles softly, her tone reassuring. “Choosing when and how we engage with the press is part of our responsibility in a free society.”

Jack: “So it’s not just about access, but about mindfulness, isn’t it? Knowing when to engage and when to pull back. It’s about finding balance and not letting the constant flow of information overwhelm us.” He nods slowly, realizing the importance of setting boundaries when it comes to media consumption. “In a world where everything is available to us instantly, that freedom to choose what we engage with — or choose not to engage with — becomes incredibly powerful.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s a form of self-care. It’s about taking control of what we take in and what we let influence our thoughts and emotions. With a free press, we have access to an abundance of information, but we also have the responsibility to decide how much of that information we need or want in our lives. It’s about making conscious choices about what we expose ourselves to.” Her smile deepens, filled with understanding. “That freedom not to read it isn’t just about avoiding the news; it’s about choosing what aligns with our needs, our values, and our well-being.”

Jack: “It’s a kind of freedom we don’t often talk about, but it’s just as important. The freedom to disengage is as essential as the freedom to engage. It’s about knowing how to maintain your peace of mind in a world that’s constantly trying to pull you in different directions.” His voice softens, almost grateful for this shift in perspective. “We don’t have to consume everything the world throws at us — and sometimes, it’s better not to.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And by exercising that freedom, we not only take care of ourselves, but we also take responsibility for how we interact with the world. It’s about finding our own pace, staying informed without being consumed, and protecting our emotional and mental space in the process.” She smiles gently, her words filled with peace. “It’s about the balance we choose to create in our lives, and knowing that we have the freedom to make that choice.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as Jack and Jeeny have come to a deeper understanding of the relationship between freedom of the press and the freedom not to engage. They’ve realized that in a world where information is ever-present, choosing when and how to consume it is just as important as the right to access it. By exercising this freedom, we regain control over our emotional and mental well-being, allowing us to navigate the constant flow of information with mindfulness and intention.

Jack: “I think I’ve been so focused on staying connected, staying informed all the time, that I’ve forgotten the power of taking a step back. Choosing not to read the news isn’t avoidance — it’s a way to protect my peace and mental health.” His voice is gentler, filled with a sense of understanding. “That freedom to disengage is just as important as the freedom to engage.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And by making conscious choices about what we engage with, we create space for ourselves to process the world in a way that feels manageable and healthy. We don’t have to be plugged in all the time.” She smiles warmly, a quiet affirmation in her tone. “It’s about balancing connection with self-care, and knowing that we have the power to choose what we expose ourselves to.”

Host: The room feels still, filled with a shared understanding that the freedom not to engage with the media is just as important as the freedom to access it. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that by setting boundaries with what we consume, we maintain control over our emotional and mental well-being. In a world of constant information, the power to step back and protect our peace is a freedom that allows us to live more intentionally.