Non-violence exacts a very high price from one who practices it. But once you are able to meet that demand then you can do most things.

The road to social justice for the farm worker is the road of unionization. Our cause, our strike against table grapes and our international boycott are all founded upon our deep conviction that the form of collective self-help, which is unionization, holds far more hope for the farm worker than any other single approach, whether public or private. This conviction is what brings spirit, high hope and optimism to everything we do.

History will judge societies and governments - and their institutions - not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless.

The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.

The basis for peace is respecting all creatures.

Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.

The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.