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Quotes

And then, sir, there is this consideration: that if the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up and, claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.

—Samuel Johnson, 1791

To escape its wretched lot, the populace has three ways, two imaginary and one real. The first two are the rum shop and the church; the third is the social revolution.

—Mikhail Bakunin, 1871

Insurrection of thought always precedes insurrection of arms.

—Wendell Phillips, 1859

If not us, who? If not now, when?

—Czech slogan, 1989

The brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over we realize this: that the human has been roughly handled, but that it has advanced.

—Victor Hugo, 1862

Those 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, 1580

It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.

—Dolores Ibárruri, 1936

If there was ever a just war since the world began, it is this in which America is now engaged.

—Thomas Paine, 1778

The main object of a revolution is the liberation of man, not the interpretation and application of some transcendental ideology.

—Jean Genet, 1983
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