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People think non-violence is really weak and non-militant. These are misconceptions that people have because they don't understand what non-violence means. Non-violence takes more guts, if I can put it bluntly, than violence. Most violent acts are accomplished by getting the opponent off guard, and it doesn't take that much character, I think, if one wants to do it.

Cesar Chavez#87

Non violenceCharacterCourage

About this quote

What does it mean?
Non-violence requires more courage than violence because it demands character rather than opportunism.
In plain terms
Non-violence needs more guts than violence because it takes real character.
What can you take from it?
Non-violence is a braver and more character-driven path.

Where it applies

  • public education
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • redefine strength
  • practice disciplined resistance

Questions to consider

  • Is non-violence seen as weakness by others?
  • What defines courage?

Another view

Critics may still view non-violence as passive.

More from Cesar Chavez

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  3. Our union represents a breaking away... represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force... however long it takes, we are geared for a…

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