Civil disobedience Quote by Bertrand Russell
“The time has come, or is about to come, when only large-scale civil disobedience, which should be nonviolent, can save the populations from the universal death which their governments are preparing for them.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Disobedience, 1961
Mass nonviolent civil disobedience may be the only way to avert catastrophic policies that threaten humanity's survival.
In simple terms: Large-scale peaceful protest can prevent government‑driven disaster.
Key Takeaway
Organize peaceful mass action now.
Themes
activism
environment
politics
ethics
civil disobedience
Mood
determined
urgent
hopeful
Type
political
activist
When to use this quote
- climate crisis
- nuclear proliferation
- authoritarian regimes
- public health emergencies
Key Concepts
nonviolence
collective responsibility
existential risk
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks are you willing to take for the greater good?
- How can peaceful protest be made more effective?
A Different Perspective
Nonviolent protest may be suppressed or ignored by authorities.
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