Socialism and Communism both demand a degree of joint effort and administration which would beget more regulation than is wholly consistent with ideal Anarchism; Individualism and Mutualism, resting upon property, involve a development of the private policeman not at all compatible with my notion of freedom.
Voltairine de CleyreThere is no peace now, and there will never be peace, so long as one rules over another.
Voltairine de CleyreI never expect men to give us liberty. No, women, we are not worth it until we take it.
Voltairine de CleyreIs it not enough that 'things are cruel and blind'? Must we also be cruel and blind?
Voltairine de CleyreBut what the working-class can do, when once they grow into a solidified organization, is to show the possessing class, through a sudden cessation of all work, that the whole social structure rests on them; that the possessions of the others are absolutely worthless to them without the workers' activity; that such protests, such strikes, are inherent in the system of property and will continually recur until the whole thing is abolished - and having shown that effectively, proceed to expropriate.
Voltairine de CleyreWe are bound first to imform ourselves concerning so great a matter as the revolt of millions of people- what they are struggling for, what they are struggling against, and how the struggle stands- from day to day...as best you can; and second, to spread this knowledge among others, and endeavor to do what little you can to awaken the consciousness and sympathy of others.
Voltairine de Cleyre