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There are vivid memories from my childhood - what we had to go through because of low wages and the conditions, basically because there was no union. I suppose if I wanted to be fair I could say that I'm trying to settle a personal score. I could dramatize it by saying that I want to bring social justice to farm workers. But the truth is that I went through a lot of hell, and a lot of people did. If we can even the score a little for the workers then we are doing something. Besides, I don't know any other work I like to do better than this. I really don't.

Cesar Chavez#114

JusticeChavezLabor rightsMotivationUnionsHardshipSocial justice

About this quote

What does it mean?
Chavez acknowledges his drive for justice stems from personal hardship and lack of union protection, though he frames it as helping others rather than settling scores.
In plain terms
He fights for workers because he suffered without a union and wants to prevent others from going through the same pain.
What can you take from it?
Personal suffering can fuel a lifelong commitment to social justice.

Where it applies

  • labor activism
  • personal reflection
  • social reform

Putting it to work

  • organizing workers
  • advocating for unions
  • sharing personal stories

Questions to consider

  • How does personal experience shape your advocacy?
  • Is settling a personal score a valid motive for change?

Another view

Focusing on personal grievance might overshadow broader systemic causes.

More from Cesar Chavez

  1. There are many reasons for why a man does what de does. To be himself he must be able to give it all. If a leader cannot give it all he cannot expect his peopl…

    Permalink to quote #113
  2. There has to be someone who is willing to do it, who is willing to take whatever risks are required. I don't think it can be done with money alone. The person …

    Permalink to quote #115
  3. The workers aren't going to stop struggling. They're going to struggle to have a union and they have the right to have it. The police repression and the grower…

    Permalink to quote #112

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