'Passive resistance,' said Ferdinand Lassalle, with an obtuseness thoroughly German, 'is the resistance which does not resist.' Never was there a greater mistake. It is the only resistance which in these days of military discipline resists with any result. There is not a tyrant in the civilized world today who would not do anything in his power to precipitate a bloody revolution rather than see himself confronted by any large fraction of his subjects determined not to obey. An insurrection is easily quelled; but no army is willing or able to train its guns on inoffensive people who do not even gather in the streets but stay at home and stand back on their rights. Neither the ballot nor the bayonet is to play any great part in the coming struggle; passive resistance is the instrument by which the revolutionary force is destined to secure in the last great conflict the people's rights forever.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Passive resistance is more effective than violent revolution because armies hesitate to harm unarmed civilians who refuse to obey.
- In plain terms
- Nonviolent defiance works better than fighting because soldiers won't shoot peaceful people.
- What can you take from it?
- Use nonviolence to resist authority without giving them an excuse to kill.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does force become necessary?
- How do you maintain discipline in resistance?
Another view
Some critics argue it is too slow for urgent oppression.
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