When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong.
Eugene V. DebsRead
Too long have the workers of the world waited for some Moses to lead them out of bondage... I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds there is nothing that you cannot do for yourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom comes from self-reliance and empowerment, not just from being led by others.
Eugene V. Debs emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment and the dangers of relying on external leaders for liberation. He suggests that waiting for a savior or leader to rescue the oppressed is futile; instead, individuals must realize their own strength and capabilities to achieve true change and liberation.
Themes
Self-RelianceEmpowermentFreedomLeadershipChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech promoting self-sufficiency and community action.
More from Eugene V. Debs
All quotes →Why should the railroad employees be parceled out among a score of different organizations? They are all employed in the same service. Their interests are mutual. They ought to be able to act together as one. But they divide according to craft and calling, and if you were to propose today to unite them that they might actually do something to advance their collective and individual interests as workers, you would be opposed by every grand officer of these organizations.
Eugene V. DebsRead
If it had not been for the discontent of a few fellows who had not been satisfied with their conditions, you would still be living in caves. Intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization. Progress is born of agitation. It is agitation or stagnation.
Eugene V. DebsRead
As long as this great army of workers is scattered among so many craft unions, it will be impossible for them to unite and act in harmony together. Craft unionism is the negation of solidarity. The more unions you have, the less unity.
Eugene V. DebsRead
Speaking of myself, I was made to realize long ago that the old trade union was utterly incompetent to deal successfully with the exploiting corporations in this struggle. I was made to see that in craft unionism the capitalist class have it within their power to keep the workers divided, to use one part of them to conquer and crush another part of them. Indeed, I was made to see that the old form of unionism separates the workers and keeps them helpless at the mercy of their masters.
Eugene V. DebsRead
Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.
Eugene V. DebsRead
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