One should not interpret the word “Revolution” in its literal sense. Various meanings and significances are attributed to this word, according to the interests of those who use or misuse it. For the established agencies of exploitation it conjures up a feeling of blood stained horror. To the revolutionaries it is a sacred phrase.
If the deaf are to hear, the sound has to be very loud. When we dropped the bomb, it was not our intention to kill anybody. We have bombed the British Government. The British must quit India and make her free.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the need for strong actions to create significant change and highlights the unintended consequences of those actions.
Bhagat Singh's quote reflects the idea that for important messages or revolutionary actions to be heard and understood, they often need to be expressed with great force. The reference to the bombing not intending to kill anyone underscores the tragedy of war and violence, while simultaneously advocating for India's freedom from British rule. It suggests that sometimes, drastic measures are taken to achieve justice and equality, even if those measures result in unforeseen harm.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of fighting for justice.
More from Bhagat Singh
All quotes →Non-violence is backed by the theory of soul-force in which suffering is courted in the hope of ultimately winning over the opponent. But what happens when such an attempt fail to achieve the object? It is here that soul-force has to be combined with physical force so as not to remain at the mercy of tyrannical and ruthless enemy.
Those revolutionaries who have, by chance, escaped the gallows should live and show to the world that they cannot only embrace gallows for the ideal but also bear the worst type of tortures in the dark, dingy prison cells.
Love always elevates the character of man. It never lowers him, provided love be love
A rebellion is not a revolution. It may ultimately lead to that end.
They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.
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Hate is too great a burden to bear.