A revolution without a prior reformation would collapse or become a totalitarian tyranny. A reformation means that masses of our people have reached the point of disillusionment with past ways and values. They don't know what will work but they do know that the prevailing system is self-defeating, frustrating, and hopeless. They won't act for change but won't strongly oppose those who do. The time is then ripe for revolution

Change comes from power, and power comes from organization. In order to act, people must get together.

The most effective means are whatever will achieve the desired results.

True revolutionaries do not flaunt their radicalism. They cut their hair, put on suits and infiltrate the system from within.

The establishment can accept being screwed, but not being laughed at

The organizers first job is to create the issues or problems, and organizations must be based on many issues. The organizer must first rub raw the resentments of the people of the community; fan the latent hostilities of many of the people to the point of overt expression. He must search out controversy and issues, rather than avoid them, for unless there is controversy people are not concerned enough to act. . . . An organizer must stir up dissatisfaction and discontent.

As an organizer I start from where the world is, as it is, not as I would like it to be.