Publish and be damned
Meaning
To publish or express something controversial, accepting any negative consequences or criticism that may follow.
Origin
In the early 19th century, Lord Byron, the tempestuous darling of British literature, often found himself at odds with the moral sensibilities of his age. When his publisher, John Murray, or friends, urged him to reconsider printing his more controversial works—poems that challenged religious dogma or societal norms, like "Cain" or parts of "Don Juan"—Byron would dismiss their concerns with a defiant flourish. His legendary retort, "Publish and be damned," became his rallying cry, a bold declaration of artistic independence and a profound contempt for public censure. He believed that the truth, or his truth, should be spoken regardless of the ensuing storm, cementing the phrase as a timeless motto for unwavering conviction in the face of opposition.
Examples
- The investigative journalist decided to publish the controversial report and be damned, believing the public had a right to know the truth.
- Facing pressure from advertisers, the editor stood firm, declaring he would publish and be damned rather than censor the story.