This is why I say that the individual's most potent weapon is a stubborn belief in the triumph of common decency.

We are all born with a powerful herd instinct and it can force otherwise rational people to act in inexplicable ways.

Our time here on the earth is short, and our chance to make a difference is tiny. For me the grinding blocks of history came together in such a way that I was able to take what fragile defense I had and hold in place for seventy-six days. If I was able to give much it was only because I had some useful things from my life to give. I am a hotel manager...my job never changed, even in a sea of fire.

Our days are so few, our existences so complicated. As long as we're breathing we shouldn't further complicate our lives.

Everybody was willing to give me a job. But I wanted to do something different. I saw myself as an independent person, self-employed.

"There is no greater gift to an insecure leader that quite matches a vague enemy who can be used to whip up fear and hatred among the population."

History never seems to teach us any lessons. But that is no reason to give up.