...the first step in the revolution by the working class, is to raise the proletariat to the position of ruling class, to win the battle for democracy.

In order to arouse sympathy, the aristocracy was obliged to lose sight, apparently, of its own interests, and to formulate its indictment against the bourgeoisie in the interest of the exploited working class alone. Thus, the aristocracy took their revenge by singing lampoons on their new masters and whispering in his ears sinister prophesies of coming catastrophe.

Every provisional political set-up following a revolution requires a dictatorship, and an energetic dictatorship at that.

There is only one effective antidote for mental suffering and that is physical pain.

If we have chosen the position in life in which we can most of all work for mankind, no burdens can bow us down, because they are sacrifices for the benefit of all; then we shall experience no petty, limited, selfish joy, but our happiness will belong to millions, our deeds will live on quietly but perpetually at work, and over our ashes will be shed the hot tears of noble people.

A nation that enslaves another forges its own chains.

Advances in science help to delegitimize the rule of kings and the power of the Church.