There are more strains of courage than merely facing a sword. - George Alec Effinger

I see unhealthy signs of a new regime of religiosity and conservatism.

I wonder," he thought, "is it worth getting myself crushed in that crowd just to save my life? Is it worth getting all frustrated and angry, lowering myself to their level, pushing and shoving with all the rest, fighting like a common animal, just to stay alive?" He smiled ruefully. "It always comes to the simple question: what is more important, life or self-respect?

I told you it was dirty. When you wander into the highest level of international affairs, it’s almost always dirty.