22 Is objectivity a luxury in societies that have only recently begun to enjoy the freedom to voice their opinions? Listen to a Lithuanian newspaper editor shortly after his country gained its independence: "I want my readers to know what their heads are for." His readers were used to being told not only what to think about, but what to think. Democracy requires the public to make choices and decisions. This editor wanted to prepare citizens for that responsibility with articles that inform but do not pass judgment.. His circulation increased.

Objectivity is not a luxury in societies that have only recently begun to enjoy the freedom to voice their opinions. In fact, it is a necessity for the functioning of a healthy democracy. The Lithuanian newspaper editor's statement, "I want my readers to know what their heads are for," emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and independent judgment in a democratic society.<br /><br />Democracy requires citizens to make informed choices and decisions based on their own opinions and values, rather than being told what to think. By providing objective information and analysis, the editor aimed to empower his readers to take responsibility for their own thinking and decision-making.<br /><br />The increase in the newspaper's circulation suggests that readers appreciated the editor's commitment to objectivity and were willing to engage with the content that challenged them to think critically and form their own opinions.<br /><br />In summary, objectivity is essential in societies that have recently gained the freedom to voice their opinions, as it allows citizens to make informed choices and participate actively in the democratic process.