People have a right to privacy, but they also have a right to live. Fundamentally, we need cybersecurity and need to secure communications as well.
Michael HaydenRead
Global security can be formed or threatened by heads of state whose wisdom, folly and obsessions shape global events. But often it is the security practitioners, those rarely in the headlines but whose craft and energy quietly break new ground, who keep us safe or put us in peril.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Heads of state can influence global security, but the true impact often comes from unnoticed security practitioners.
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of security practitioners in maintaining global safety, suggesting that while political leaders are often in the spotlight, it is the dedicated professionals behind the scenes who truly affect our security. Their expertise and commitment can either protect us or expose us to danger, highlighting the importance of recognizing their contributions to global events.
Themes
SecurityLeadershipWisdomProfessionalsGlobal
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of security professionals during a conference.
More from Michael Hayden
All quotes →Al Qaida changes; Al Qaida adapts. We have to adapt as well. We rely on resources to do that. Reducing resources beyond a certain point will make us less able to adapt as our enemy adapts.
Michael HaydenRead
Presidents get to decide how their intelligence is served up to them, and it's the job of intelligence to adjust.
Michael HaydenRead
The question is how much of your privacy and your convenience and your commerce do you want your nation's security apparatus to squeeze in order to keep you safe? And it is a choice that we have to make.
Michael HaydenRead
American political elites feel very empowered to criticize the American intelligence community for not doing enough when they feel in danger, and as soon as we've made them feel safe again, they feel equally empowered to complain that we're doing too much.
Michael HaydenRead
Similar quotes
The key to victory lies more in manipulation and cooperation than in exceptional personal skills.
Yuval Noah HarariRead
I know in the business world, some women won't speak if there are men in meetings for fear of being seen as too assertive.
Whitney Wolfe HerdRead
Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
Dale CarnegieRead
There is no contest between the company that buys the grudging compliance of its work force and the company that enjoys the enterprising participation of its employees
Ricardo SemlerRead
I think right now we need to look back at the founding values of our country. Rise above partisanship, be less bitter when it comes to important matters that have to be solved.
Walter IsaacsonRead
Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.
Colin PowellRead