The quotations of

Eugene V. Debs

American labor and political leader

1855–1926

21 quotes, most often on Freedom, Politics and War & Peace.

The most heroic word in all languages is REVOLUTION.
“Revolution” in New York Worker (27 April 1907)
- Politics
Denial of one’s better self seals the lips or pollutes them. Fidelity to conviction opens them and truth blossoms in eloquence.
The Secret of Efficient Expression (1911)
- Talking
- Truth & Lies
If ever I become entirely respectable I shall be quite sure that I have outlived myself.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- Character
I may not be able to say all I think; but I am not going to say anything that I do not think. I would rather a thousand times be a free soul in jail than to be a sycophant and coward in the streets.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- Courage
- Freedom
I have no country to fight for; my country is the earth; I am a citizen of the world.
“When I Shall Fight,” Appeal to Reason (11 September 1915)
- Patriotism
When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong.
Speech in Cleveland, Ohio.(Sept. 11, 1918) Eugene V. Debs Speaks, ed. Jean Y. Tussey (1970)
- Change
- History
For myself, I want no advantage over my fellow man, and if he is weaker than I, all the more is it my duty to help him.
The Negro and His Nemesis (1904)
- Charity
- Responsibility
The class which has the power to rob upon a large scale has also the power to control the government and legalize their robbery.
in Debs (1971), p. 75
- Government
- Power
Intellectual darkness is essential to industrial slavery.
The Socialist Party and the Working Class (1904)
- Knowledge
- Work
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.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- Success
The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- War & Peace
You who have your lives to lose, you certainly above all others have the right to decide the momentous issue of war or peace.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- War & Peace
The issue is Socialism versus Capitalism. I am for Socialism because I am for humanity. We have been cursed with the reign of gold long enough.
Open letter to the American Railway Union, Chicago Railway Times (1 January 1897)
- Economics
- Politics
Wars throughout history have been waged for conquest and plunder.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- History
- War & Peace
Do not worry over the charge of treason to your masters, but be concerned about the treason that involves yourselves. Be true to yourself and you cannot be a traitor to any good cause on earth.
The Canton, Ohio Speech, Anti-War Speech (1918)
- Character

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