Class Quote by Che Guevara
““The guerilla fighter will be a sort of guiding angel who has fallen into the zone, helping the poor always and bothering the rich as little as possible in the first phases of the war. But this war will continue on its course; contradictions will continuously become sharper; the moment will arrive when many of those who regarded the revolution with a certain sympathy at the outset will place themselves in a position diametrically opposed; and they will take the first step into battle against the popular forces. At that moment the guerilla fighter should act to make himself into the standard bearer of the cause of the people, punishing every betrayal with justice.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Guerrilla Warfare, 1961
The guerrilla must protect the poor, avoid harming the rich early, then become the people's champion, punishing betrayal with justice.
In simple terms: Protect the poor, later become the people's standard bearer.
Key Takeaway
Defend the oppressed, enforce accountability.
Themes
revolution
justice
leadership
Mood
defiant
hopeful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- early insurgency
- post‑revolutionary governance
- community organizing
Key Concepts
political theory
ethics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure accountability without becoming tyrannical?
A Different Perspective
May the guerrilla become oppressive after gaining power?
