Matthieu Aikins > Quotes

“In 1989, there were only fifteen borders that were fortified with walls or fences in the world; by 2016, there were almost seventy, with more planned or under construction. Especially since the attacks of 9/11, these walls have been built in the name of security, and yet in practice they trace the line between rich and poor.”
― Matthieu Aikins, The Naked Don't Fear the Water: An Underground Journey with Afghan Refugees

“It is not the voice that commands the story, wrote Italo Calvino, it is the ear.”
― Matthieu Aikins, The Naked Don't Fear the Water: A Journey Through the Refugee Underground

“One million crossed in fourteen months. It was the greatest movement of refugees by sea in history.”
― Matthieu Aikins, The Naked Don't Fear the Water: A Journey Through the Refugee Underground

“When you donate used clothing to a local charity, it’s typically sold in bulk back to the developing world.”
― Matthieu Aikins, The Naked Don't Fear the Water: A Journey Through the Refugee Underground