Cesar Chavez Peace Quotations

There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence.

The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.

Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. Cesar Chavez Address to the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, Nov. 9, 1984

Through Gandhi and my own life experience, I have learned about nonviolence. I believe that human life is a very special gift from God, and that no one has a right to take that away in any cause, however just. I am convinced that nonviolence is more powerful than violence.

Non-violence is a very powerful weapon. Most people don't understand the power of non-violence and tend to be amazed by the whole idea. Those who have been involved in bringing about change and see the difference between violence and non-violence are firmly committed to a lifetime of non-violence, not because it is easy or because it is cowardly, but because it is an effective and very powerful way.

Nonviolence is really tough. You don't practice nonviolence at conferences; you practice it on picket-lines.

The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.

You know, if people are not pacifists, it's not their fault. It's because society puts them in that spot. You've got to change it. You don't just change a man - you've got to change his environment as you do it.

Non-violence exacts a very high price from one who practices it. But once you are able to meet that demand then you can do most things.

Violence just hurts those who are already hurt...Instead of exposing the brutality of the oppressor, it justifies it.

We are convinced that non-violence is more powerful than violence. We are convinced that non-violence supports you if you have a just and moral cause...If you use violence, you have to sell part of yourself for that violence. Then you are no longer a master of your own struggle.

Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Non-violence is hard work.