Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.
—Benjamin Franklin, 1776Quotes
The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative on the day after the revolution.
—Hannah Arendt, 1970All revolutions devour their own children.
—Ernst Röhm, 1933It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
—Dolores Ibárruri, 1936Rebellion is no less a sin than divination.
—Book of Samuel, c. 550 BCAll men recognize the right of revolution, that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist, the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.
—Henry David Thoreau, 1849Those who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another’s net.
—Michel de Montaigne, 1580I began revolution with eighty-two men. If I had to do it again, I do it with ten or fifteen and absolute faith. It does not matter how small you are if you have faith and plan of action.
—Fidel Castro, 1959
Revolution begins in putting on bright colors.
—Tennessee Williams, 1944