Eugene V. Debs Quotes

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  The class which has the power to rob upon a large scale has also the power to control the government and legalize their robbery.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Power

  Tags in Government, Legalized

• When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Democracy

• Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living things, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on the earth. I said then and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Ideals

  Tags in Compassion, Equality, Solidarity, Freedom, Labor, Community, Creed, Credo

• Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Commitment, Vision

  Tags in Solidarity, Organize, Purpose, Labor

• Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and bruised itself. We have been enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by the militia, traduced by the press, frowned upon in public opinion, and deceived by politicians. ‘But notwithstanding all this and all these, labor is today the most vital and potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission is as certain of ultimate realization as is the setting of the sun.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Uncategorized

  Tags in Opinion, Labor

• I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Tags in Patriotism

• When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Democracy

  Tags in Minorities, Majorities, Radicals

• Intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization. Progress is born of agitation. It is agitation or stagnation.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Tags in Rebellion

• I never had much faith in leaders. I am willing to be charged with almost anything, rather than to be charged with being a leader. I am suspicious of leaders, and especially of the intellectual variety. Give me the rank and file every day in the week. If you go to the city of Washington, and you examine the pages of the Congressional Directory, you will find that almost all of those corporation lawyers and cowardly politicians, members of Congress, and mis-representatives of the masses — you will find that almost all of them claim, in glowing terms, that they have risen from the ranks to places of eminence and distinction. I am very glad I cannot make that claim for myself. I would be ashamed to admit that I had risen from the ranks. When I rise it will be with the ranks, and not from the ranks.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Topics in Leadership

  Tags in Solidarity, Government

• When we are in partnership and have stopped clutching each other’s throats, when we have stopped enslaving each other, we will stand together, hands clasped, and be friends. we will be comrades, we will be brothers, and we will begin the march to the grandest civilization the human race has ever known.

  Eugene V. Debs

  Tags in Solidarity

Eugene V. Debs (10)

Birth:	5th November, 1855
Death:	20th October, 1996
Nationality:	American
Profession:	Politician, Socialite, Union Leader

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