Civil disobedience Quote by Howard Zinn
“Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of leaders…and millions have been killed because of this obedience…Our problem is that people are obedient allover the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves… (and) the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn, 1980
Obedience to authority can enable widespread injustice, while dissent is necessary for moral progress.
In simple terms: Blind obedience fuels oppression.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, act with conscience.
Themes
obedience
justice
political responsibility
power dynamics
Mood
concerned
urgent
reflective
Type
political
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- activism
- voting
- community organizing
- education
- whistleblowing
Key Concepts
civil disobedience
ethical responsibility
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you followed a rule that felt wrong?
- How can societies balance order and moral courage?
A Different Perspective
Obedience can also be protective or necessary in chaotic contexts.
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