One of the paradoxes of our time is that the War on Terror…
“One of the paradoxes of our time is that the War on Terror has served mainly to reinforce a collective belief that maintaining the right amount of fear and suspicion will earn one safety. Fear is promoted by the government as a kind of policy. Fear is accepted, even among the best-educated people in this country, even among the professors with whom I work, as a kind of intelligence. And inspiring fear in others is often seen as neighborly and kindly, instead of being regarded as what my cousin recognized it for - a violence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Society often equates heightened fear and suspicion with safety, turning fear into a policy tool and a perceived virtue.
In simple terms: Fear is treated as a safety strategy by authorities and educated people alike.
Key Takeaway
Question fear by fostering trust and transparency.
Themes
security
politics
psychology
trust
fear
public policy
Mood
anxious
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- public discourse
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
social control
risk perception
collective belief
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear influence public decision‑making?
- What alternatives to fear‑based policies exist?
A Different Perspective
Fear can erode civil liberties and create a climate of paranoia.