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About this quote

What does it mean?
Most revolutions gain their identity and origin from acts of murder.
In plain terms
Revolutions often define themselves through the killing of those they oppose.
What can you take from it?
Understand the violent origins of political change.

Where it applies

  • political science
  • history class
  • ethical discussion

Putting it to work

  • analyze political conflict
  • study history
  • discuss violence

Questions to consider

  • Is violence necessary for change?
  • How do revolutions begin?

Another view

Some revolutions focus on peaceful resistance.

More from Albert Camus

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  3. The important thing, as Abbe Galiani said to Mme d'Epinay, is not to be cured, but to live with one's ailments.

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