I come from a world where the word 'trauma' doesn't exist, because we are too poor. I didn't have an easy life compared to the average European. But compared to the average African, it wasn't all that bad. Ayaan Hirsi Ali More Quotes by Ayaan Hirsi Ali More Quotes From Ayaan Hirsi Ali The worst thing I can do is give in, going into hiding, not publishing, lying, saying I am going back to the faith -- all of that is giving in. Ayaan Hirsi Ali world My grandmother went ahead and did it behind his back. Ayaan Hirsi Ali world Over the course of my life, I have made many transitions - most of them taking me further away from my Somali roots and steadily toward the enlightened mentality of Western democracy. Ayaan Hirsi Ali my-life me democracy life When a 'Life of Brian' comes out with Muhammad in the lead role, directed by an Arab equivalent of Theo van Gogh, it will be a huge step forward. Ayaan Hirsi Ali forward step will life