...people think non-violence is really weak and non-militant. These are misconceptions that people have because they don't understand what non-violence means. Non-violence takes more guts, if I can put it bluntly, than violence. Most violent acts are accomplished by getting the opponent off guard, and it doesn't take that much character, I think, if one wants to do it.
Interpretation
Non-violence requires great strength and character, contrary to popular belief.
Cesar Chavez emphasizes that non-violence is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of immense courage and strength of character. He argues that violent actions often exploit surprise and lack the depth of conviction that non-violent resistance demands, making it a far more courageous and difficult path to take.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a speech on peace activism to highlight the strength required for non-violent resistance.
I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry and unhappy like we do. I feel very deeply about vegetarianism and the animal kingdom. It was my dog Boycott who led me to question the right of humans to eat other sentient beings.
I think one of the great, great problems...is confusing people to the point where they become immobile. In fact, the more things people can find out for themselves, the more vigor the organization is going to have.
In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.
There is enough love and good will in our movement to give energy to our struggle and still have plenty left over to break down and change the climate of hate and fear around us.
Our union represents a breaking away...represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force...however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle.
Every time we sit at a table at night or in the morning to enjoy the fruits and grain and vegetables from our good earth, remember that they come from the work of men and women and children who have been exploited for generations.
There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized.
It's time to "stop being ambivalent." ... They (groups like the Islamic State) have no ideology beyond violence and chaos and the slaughter of innocent people.
The spirit of her invincible heart guided her through the shadows.
I can think of nothing more American than to peacefully stand up or take a knee for your rights - anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
So long as our Corps fields such Marines, America has nothing to fear from tyrants, be they Fascists, Communists or Tyrants with Medieval Ideology. For we serve in a Corps with no institutional confusion about our purpose: To fight! To fight well!
We live in the kind of world where courage is the most essential of virtues; without courage, the other virtues are useless.
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