In a democracy, the citizens are supposed to have all the power, and the government is supposed to be the means by which the citizens exercise that power. But when you have a surveillance state, the state has all the… — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
When people understand that they are constantly monitored, they are more conformist - they are less willing to take up controversial positions - and that kind of mass conformity is incompatible with democracy. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
I believe that art can make relevant and progressive contributions to culture and society. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Photography has become so fundamental to the way we see that 'photography' and 'seeing' are becoming more and more synonymous. The ubiquity of photography… — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
I'm pretty cynical about the future, but I feel like that's not an ethical position for me to take. It's not okay for me… — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Civilian law around aviation is much looser than those governing military. Civilian planes can basically fly wherever they want in the world. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
I think the automation of vision is a much bigger deal than the invention of perspective. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Many of the things that shape the way the world looks are, quite frankly, invisible. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Geosynchronous spacecraft will be among civilization's most enduring remnants, quietly circling Earth until the Earth is no more. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Traditionally, images have functioned as representations of something in the world, but we are quickly approaching the point where vast majority of images are… — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Images can make realities out of people and struggles - the reality we give them. Images really matter. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
It's productive and fun to try interpreting cave paintings, but ultimately, they can't teach us anything beyond what we imagine them to be. — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
Before Christianity became the Roman Empire's official religion in the 4th Century, 'mystery religions,' organized around a central canon of secret knowledge, were widespread.… — Trevor Paglen Copy Share Image
