The essence of American freedom lies in the ability to express even offensive opinions, a freedom rooted in relatively recent history. This free speech stance can be traced to Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and a pivotal eight-month period in his life. Holmes seemingly reversed his views on free speech during this time, a mystery in Supreme Court history. The episode explores the reasons behind Holmes's change, involving anarchists and a friend's plea. This shift in perspective significantly impacted the country’s understanding of free speech. The episode, originally released in 2021, investigates whether a reevaluation of free speech is now necessary. The episode features contributions from several individuals including Jenny Lawton and Sarah Qari. Listeners are encouraged to sign up for a newsletter for additional content. Radiolab relies on listener support through membership. The show is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.