Quotes about nonviolence

It is my contention that civil disobediences are nothing but the latest form of voluntary association, and that they are thus quite in tune with the oldest traditions of the country.

— Hannah Arendt

Nonviolence is a flop. The only bigger flop is violence.

— Joan Baez

The only thing that's been a worse flop than the organization of non-violence has been the organization of violence.

— Joan Baez

Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. [Matthew 5:39]

— Bible

Hurt a fly! He would not for the world: he's pitiful to flies even. Sing, says he, and tease me still, if that's your way, poor insect.

— Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The people in power will not disappear voluntarily, giving flowers to the cops just isn't going to work. This thinking is fostered by the establishment; they like nothing better than love and nonviolence. The only way I like to see cops given flowers is in a flower pot from a high window.

— William S. Burroughs

Only a philosophy of eternity, in the world today, could justify non-violence.

— Albert Camus

Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our very being.

— Mahatma Gandhi

It is my hope that as the Negro plunges deeper into the quest for freedom and justice he will plunge even deeper into the philosophy of non-violence. The Negro all over the South must come to the point that he can say to his white brother: We will match your capacity to inflict suffering with our capacity to endure suffering. We will meet your physical force with soul force. We will not hate you, but we will not obey your evil laws. We will soon wear you down by pure capacity to suffer.

— King Jr. Martin Luther

Nonviolence is fine as long as it works.

— Malcolm X

To be deeply committed to negotiations, to be opposed to a particular war or military action, is not only considered unpatriotic, it also casts serious doubt on one's manhood.

— Myriam Miedzian