If this is the price to be paid for an idea, then let us pay. There is no need of being troubled about it, afraid, or ashamed. This is the time to boldly say, “Yes, I believe in the displacement of this system of injustice by a just one; I believe in the end of starvation, exposure, and the crimes caused by them; I believe in the human soul regnant over all laws which man has made or will make; I believe there is no peace now, and there will never be peace, so long as one rules over another; I believe in the total disintegration and dissolution of the principle and practice of authority; I am an Anarchist, and if for this you condemn me, I stand ready to receive your condemnation. Voltairine De Cleyre
About This Quote

Written and first published by Emma Goldman, this quote is a declaration of love and commitment to the cause of anarchism. The phrase ‘if it is the price to be paid for an idea’ was likely intended as a shorthand way of indicating that she was willing to die for her beliefs. Emma Goldman was not simply willing to die for her beliefs, however, she also believed that the anarchist movement would benefit from having martyrs die in its service. By having people be willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause, the movement would inspire others to join them in their cause.

Source: Exquisite Rebel: The Essays Of Voltairine De Cleyre Anarchist, Feminist, Genius

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