Because if you lived, as I did, several years under Nazi totalitarianism, and then 20 years in communist totalitarianism, you would certainly realize how precious freedom is, and how easy it is to lose your freedom.

Summary

This quote highlights the profound appreciation for freedom that arises from living under oppressive totalitarian regimes. Having experienced both Nazi and communist rule, the speaker understands the value of personal liberties and the ease with which they can be stripped away. They recognize the fragility of freedom and the need to zealously protect it, as the experiences of living under totalitarianism have heightened their awareness of its preciousness.

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