My optimism is not based primarily on the successful march of democracy in recent times but rather is based on the experience of having lived in a fear society and studied the mechanics of tyranny that sustain such a society.

Summary

This quote expresses the speaker's optimism, which is not solely rooted in the progress of democracy in recent years. Instead, their perspective comes from personal experience of living in a society ruled by fear and from studying the various methods that perpetuate tyranny in such a society. The implication here is that this understanding of fear and tyranny serves as a source of hope for a better future, as it highlights the importance of safeguarding democracy and being aware of the mechanisms that can undermine it.