--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Progress both in the United States and…" description: "\"“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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4c/glenn-greenwald-1215_freedom_progress-both-in-the-united-states-and-o_1898663.jpg" --- # Progress both in the United States and other nations was… ![“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…” quote by Glenn Greenwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4c/glenn-greenwald-1215_freedom_progress-both-in-the-united-states-and-o_1898663.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4c/glenn-greenwald-1215_freedom_progress-both-in-the-united-states-and-o_1898663.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b4c/glenn-greenwald-1215_freedom_progress-both-in-the-united-states-and-o_1898663.jpg) > ““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.”” [Glenn Greenwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/glenn-greenwald/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Activism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activism/) [Activism Suffers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activism-suffers-2787539/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Freedom Stifled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom-stifled-2787538/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Political activism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political-activism/) [Suffers Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffers-freedom-664283/) ## Related quotes > [I think this society suffers so much from too much freedom, too many rights that allow people to be irresponsible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boyd-rice/i-think-this-society-suffers-so-much-from-too-much-freedom-too-many/) [Boyd Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boyd-rice/) > [“The times do not call for grassroots political activism, as if the next election might be enough to reverse a massive cultural earthquake. 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