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.

Quote by Natan Sharansky

Topics: Natan Sharansky Quotes

When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies,...

When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies,...

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected.

Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing...

Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing...

There were no dissidents then in the USSR because they were all killed.

There were no dissidents then in the USSR because they were all killed.

It is not surprising, then, that in the decade since Oslo began, Arafat used all...

It is not surprising, then, that in the decade since Oslo began, Arafat used all...

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

In contrast, fear societies are societies in which dissent is banned.

The three main sources of scepticism are first, that not every people desires freedom; second,...

The three main sources of scepticism are first, that not every people desires freedom; second,...

Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was...

Only weeks after Oslo began, when nearly all the world and most of Israel was...

Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward...

Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward...

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent.

Just as the 99% of Soviet citizens who supported the Soviet regime in 1985 was...

Just as the 99% of Soviet citizens who supported the Soviet regime in 1985 was...

The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world...

The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world...

Of course, there can be serious injustices within free societies.

Of course, there can be serious injustices within free societies.

On the other hand, if the free world is concerned with how a new Palestinian...

On the other hand, if the free world is concerned with how a new Palestinian...

I have no doubt that given a real choice, the vast majority of Muslims and...

I have no doubt that given a real choice, the vast majority of Muslims and...

The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple...

The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple...

Japan is not a Western democracy. The Japanese have kept their traditions, culture and heritage,...

Japan is not a Western democracy. The Japanese have kept their traditions, culture and heritage,...

The only peace that can be made with a dictator is once that must be...

The only peace that can be made with a dictator is once that must be...

This scepticism is the same scepticism I heard a generation ago in the USSR when...

This scepticism is the same scepticism I heard a generation ago in the USSR when...

By helping readers understand these mechanics, I hope they will appreciate why freedom is for...

By helping readers understand these mechanics, I hope they will appreciate why freedom is for...