“Dissident Natan Sharansky writes that there are two kinds of states -- "fear societies" and "free societies," two kinds of consciousness. The consciousness derived of oppression is despairing, fatalistic, and fearful of inquiry. It is mistrustful of the self and forced to trust external authority. It is premised on a dearth of self-respect. It is cramped.In contrast, the consciousness of freedom is one of expansiveness, trust of the self, and hope. It is a consciousness of limitless inquiry. It builds up in a citizen a wealth of self-respect.”

American feminist author, journalist, and conspiracy theorist

Naomi Rebekah Wolf is an American feminist author, journalist, and conspiracy theorist. She became widely known after publishing her first book, The Beauty Myth, in 1991, which made her a prominent voice in third-wave feminism. Her work drew both praise and criticism. Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan were among those who supported it, while Camille Paglia was among its critics. In the 1990s, Wolf also worked as a political adviser to the presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton and Al Gore.