I do not oppose the insane asylum - but I abhor and condemn the cutthroat system that robs man of his reason, drives him to insanity and makes the lunatic asylum an indispensable adjunct to every civilized community. Eugene V. Debs More Quotes by Eugene V. Debs More Quotes From Eugene V. Debs They have always taught and trained you to believe it to be your patriotic duty to go to war and to have yourselves slaughtered at their command. But in all the history of the world you, the people, have never had a voice in declaring war, and strange as it certainly appears, no war by any nation in any age has ever been declared by the people. Eugene V. Debs military war peace Some go to prison for stealing, and others for believing that a better system can be provided and maintained than one that makes it necessary for a man to steal in order to live. Eugene V. Debs men order believe The issue is Socialism versus Capitalism. I am for Socialism because I am for humanity. We have been cursed with the reign of gold long enough. Money constitutes no proper basis of civilization. The time has come to regenerate society - we are on the eve of universal change. Eugene V. Debs issues civilization long Every one of the aristocratic conspirators and would-be murderers claims to be an arch-patriot; every one of them insists that the war is being waged to make the world safe for democracy. What humbug! What rot! What false pretense! These... tyrants, these red-handed robbers and murderers, the "patriots," while the men who have the courage to stand face to face with them, speak the truth, and fight for their exploited victims - they are [called] the disloyalists and traitors. If this be true, I want to take my place side by side with the traitors in this fight. Eugene V. Debs fighting men war Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and bruised itself. We have been enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by the militia, traduced by the press, frowned upon in public opinion, and deceived by politicians. 'But notwithstanding all this and all these, labor is today the most vital and potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission is as certain of ultimate realization as is the setting of the sun. Eugene V. Debs thug labour-movement political Be true to yourself and you cannot be a traitor to any good cause on earth. Eugene V. Debs be-true-to-yourself causes earth Those who produce should have, but we know that those who produce the most - that is, those who work hardest, and at the most difficult and most menial tasks, have the least. Eugene V. Debs produce tasks should-have The economic owning class is always the political ruling class. Eugene V. Debs economic political class The rights of one are as sacred as the rights of a million. Eugene V. Debs millions sacred rights Riches are the savings of many in the hands of one. Eugene V. Debs riches saving hands Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results. Eugene V. Debs oneness effort honesty The most heroic word in all languages is REVOLUTION. Eugene V. Debs heroic revolution struggle We want a system in which the worker shall get what he produces and the capitalist shall produce what he gets. Eugene V. Debs economy produce want I would rather be arrested as a traitor than fight a war for Wall Street. Eugene V. Debs wall fighting war The truth has always been dangerous to the rule of the rogue, the exploiter, the robber. So the truth must be supressed. Eugene V. Debs robbers dangerous rogues I may not be able to say all I think; but I am not going to say anything I do not think. Eugene V. Debs say-anything may thinking You need at this time especially to know that you are fit for something better than slavery and cannon fodder. Eugene V. Debs slavery fit needs I am for Socialism because I am for humanity. Eugene V. Debs socialism humanity When I rise it will be with the ranks, and not from the ranks. Eugene V. Debs labor-union solidarity If I were hungry and friendless today, I would rather take my chances with a saloon-keeper than with the average preacher. Eugene V. Debs chance average today
