Accepted Quote by Emma Goldman
“Imagine, capitalist America also divides the anarchists into two categories, philosophic and criminal. The first are accepted in highest circles; one of them is even high in the councils of the Wilson Administration. The second category, to which we have the honor of belonging, is persecuted and often imprisoned. Yours also seems to be a distinction without a difference. Don't you think so?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Anarchist Manifesto, 1910
Capitalist America splits anarchists into “philosophical” (accepted) and “criminal” (persecuted) categories, a meaningless distinction.
In simple terms: Society labels anarchists as thinkers or criminals, but it’s a false split.
Key Takeaway
Challenge false labels that divide activists.
Themes
politics
anarchism
social justice
Mood
critical
defiant
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- legal battles
- activist organizing
Key Concepts
class struggle
state repression
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies create such distinctions?
- How can activists bridge these false categories?
A Different Perspective
Labeling can sometimes protect privileged dissenters.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
