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About this quote

What does it mean?
Dictators only succeed if the population allows it through inaction or cooperation.
In plain terms
Terror needs public cooperation to succeed.
What can you take from it?
Do not stay silent when others are threatened.

Where it applies

  • protest
  • workplace
  • community

Putting it to work

  • whistleblowing
  • protesting
  • speaking up

Questions to consider

  • Are you helping oppression?
  • When must you speak out?

Another view

Sometimes people cannot safely oppose terror due to fear.

More from Edward R. Murrow

  1. All I can hope to teach my son is to tell the truth and fear no man.

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. If none of us ever read a book that was 'dangerous,' had a friend who was 'different,' or joined an organization that advocated 'change,' we would all be just …

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. This reporter's beliefs are in a state of flux. It would be easier to enumerate the items I do not believe in, than the other way around. And yet in talking to…

    Permalink to quote #28

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