Brutality Quote by Emma Goldman
“No revolution can ever succeed as a factor of liberation unless the MEANS used to further it be identical in spirit and tendency with the PURPOSES to be achieved. Revolution is the negation of the existing, a violent protest against man's inhumanity to man with all the thousand and one slaveries it involves. It is the destroyer of dominant values upon which a complex system of injustice, oppression, and wrong has been built up by ignorance and brutality. It is the herald of NEW VALUES, ushering in a transformation of the basic relations of man to man, and of man to society.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "Anarchism and Other Essays", 1910
Revolution must align its methods with its goals; means and ends must share the same spirit.
In simple terms: Means and ends must match in revolution.
Key Takeaway
Ensure tactics reflect the desired future values.
Themes
revolution
ethics
politics
justice
Mood
critical
inspirational
cautionary
Type
political
philosophical
strategic
When to use this quote
- activist planning
- policy reform
- community organizing
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
means-ends consistency
social change
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a movement stay true to its ideals under pressure?
- What compromises are acceptable to achieve change?
A Different Perspective
Ideal alignment is hard; compromises may arise in practice.
