Afghanistan Quote by Walter Isaacson
“Especially right after 9/11. Especially when the war in Afghanistan is going on. There was a real sense that you don't get that critical of a government that's leading us in war time.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: on 9/11 and Afghanistan war, 2002
It notes that during crisis, societies often suppress criticism of leaders to maintain unity.
In simple terms: Crises silence dissent.
Encourage critical thinking even in crisis.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- activism
- policy debate
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance unity and critique?
- What mechanisms protect dissent?
Suppressing critique can enable abuse of power.