In "The Complete Persepolis," Marjane Satrapi explores the impact of fear on human behavior and societal structures. She suggests that fear can overwhelm our ability to think critically or analyze situations, leading to paralysis in decision-making. This loss of reflection can have detrimental consequences, as individuals may accept oppressive circumstances without question.

Furthermore, Satrapi highlights that fear is often exploited by dictators to maintain control and repress dissent. By instilling fear in the population, authoritarian regimes can prevent organized resistance and manipulate public perception, allowing them to consolidate power and undermine fundamental freedoms.