While under torture in 1964, I learned to make a distinction in the case of a particularly brutal torturer. I learned to respect him for the way in which he conducted his torture. He was trying to understand me and he was trying to be one step ahead of my thinking.
And I realized then you may hate your enemy but do not be trapped by that hatred, because then you are in danger of underestimating their capacity. You need to respect their technical skills while you hate and totally disagree with their philosophy, their political outlook, and their political program.
”South African ANC leader Satyandranath Ragunanan “Mac” Maharaj, once charged with terrorism by his country’s apartheid-era government.
Nelson Mandela describes him as “legendary” for several things, including his ability to withstand torture. He is now a peace negotiator in Iraq. Via Fresh Air.