Barbara W. Tuchman, in her book "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," reflects on the enduring power of ideas, asserting that imprisonment cannot suppress concepts whose time has arrived. This insight highlights how oppressive rulers often fail to recognize the futility of their attempts to stifle dissenting thoughts or movements, revealing their lack of wisdom.

Tuchman points out that authoritarian regimes, driven by a desire to maintain control, underestimate the resilience of ideas. Even in the face of oppression, significant changes and revolutions can emerge when the circumstances are ripe. Her commentary serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of ideas, regardless of the obstacles posed by those in power.