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Arrested Quote by Paul Johnson

“A Stalin functionary admitted, Innocent people were arrested: naturally - otherwise no one would be frightened. If people were arrested only for specific misdemeanours, all the others would feel safe and so become ripe for treason.” quote by Paul Johnson
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“A Stalin functionary admitted, Innocent people were arrested: naturally - otherwise no one would be frightened. If people were arrested only for specific misdemeanours, all the others would feel safe and so become ripe for treason.”

Paul Johnson

About This Quote

Source Book: Stalin: The Red Terror, 1995

Powerful regimes use terror to control populations, making fear a tool for compliance.

In simple terms: Fear is used to keep people obedient.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how fear manipulates behavior.

Themes

politics control fear

Mood

cautious serious

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • authoritarian rule
  • public compliance
  • resistance movements

Key Concepts

totalitarianism psychology of oppression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does fear affect your daily decisions?
  • When have you resisted fear?
A Different Perspective

Fear can also inspire rebellion and solidarity.

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