Neil Gaiman Quotes

Even a faithful mistress can be bent by constant threats.

I would rather you love me, but if not love, fear will do.

It's funny. All you have to do is say something nobody understands and they'll do practically anything you want them to.

You are controlling because I want you to do it, not because of the situation or what needs to be done.

Fear is something I instill in other people, mostly young girls.

Back in those days intimidation was the greatest tool the drill instructor had. Without that tool, he would not have had control.

I have built my organization upon fear.

Fear is the foundation of most governments.

You know, you can't make the people do what you want them to do.

If you're working for somebody and trying to check on them, it never works. You're just saying what they want you to say at the end of the day.

Sometimes fear is used as a way to control.

Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.

Intimidation doesn't last very long.

... force is the natural ally of superstition, and superstition knows it well.

There are two fairly standard approaches to political power used by those who seek it. Some seek power with the assumption that the citizenry are the source of legitimacy and are to be treated with respect. Others concentrate on identifying whatever insecurities there are within the citizenry and on exploiting them.'

The less people know about what is going on, the easier it is to wield power and authority.

Coercion is the basis of every law in the universe.

It is one thing to persuade, another to command …

Once a person insists on how you are to think he immediately begins to insist on how you are to behave.

Power over a man's support is a power over his will.

If you've got 'em by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.

The more pain you inflict on someone, the more they will tell you what they think you want to hear.

I have said that gymnastics can be abusive and brutal. That was my experience. I felt trapped in a world where authority figures were dictating my future.

The fear tactic is a tactic that's used by people who want to maintain control, and it's very effective.

Xavier McDaniel made me respect him. I thought I could do anything I wanted to. He grabbed me one time and almost choked me out. He said, 'You're going to do this. You're going to go get coffee. You're going to go get doughnuts.' It's a game of respect.