Will dissent be permitted? The answer to that question will determine whether the society is a free society or a fear society. – Natan Sharansky
The only peace that can be made with a dictator is once that must be based on deterrence. For today, the dictator may be your friend, but tomorrow he will need you as an enemy. – Natan Sharansky
My optimism is not based primarily on the successful march of democracy in recent times but rather is based on the experience of having lived in a fear society and studied the mechanics of tyranny that sustain such a society. – Natan Sharansky
Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was drunk with the idea of peace, I argued that a Palestinian society not constrained by democratic norms would be a fear society that would pose a grave threat to Israel. – Natan Sharansky
Of the primary emotions, fear is the one that bears most directly on survival. Children show fear. Adults try not to, maybe because its shameful, or, in some circumstances, dangerous. The fear response is automatic, though, and your body runs through its reflexes whether you want it to or not. – Sebastian Junger
Well, I think by any expectation South Africa has come a tremendously long way. Weve seen a society that many people thought couldnt withstand a peaceful transition to democracy without a great deal of violence, in fact, make that transition and do it in relative peace and security. – Susan Rice