Activism Quote by Glenn Greenwald
““Progress both in the United States and other nations was only ever achieved through the ability to challenge power and orthodoxies and to pioneer new ways of thinking and living. Everyone, even those who do not engage in dissenting advocacy or political activism, suffers when that freedom is stifled by the fear of being watched.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on press freedom, 2020
Progress arises when power is questioned and new ideas are explored; suppression harms everyone, even passive observers.
In simple terms: Challenging power drives progress; fear of surveillance hurts all.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical thinking and protect dissent.
Themes
freedom
innovation
power
surveillance
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- activism
- academic research
- public policy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
political theory
social change
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance security with freedom of expression?
- What role does ordinary citizen vigilance play in protecting dissent?
A Different Perspective
Even passive individuals suffer when dissent is stifled, limiting broader societal growth.
![“The [Booker] prize was actually responsible in many ways for my political activism. I won this thing and I was suddenly the darling of the new emerging Indian middle class – they needed a princess. They had the wrong woman. I had this light shining on me at the time, and I knew that I had the…” quote by Arundhati Roy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1f3/arundhati-roy-346_activism_the-booker-prize-was-actually-responsibl_634250.jpg)
