“Civil disobedience, as I put it to the audience, was not the problem, despite the warnings of some that it threatened social stability, that it led to anarchy. The greatest danger, I argued, was civil obedience, the submission of individual conscience to governmental authority. Such obedience led to the horrors we saw in totalitarian states, and in liberal states it led to the public's acceptance of war whenever the so-called democratic government decided on it... In such a world, the rule of law maintains things as they are. Therefore, to begin the process of change, to stop a war, to establish justice, it may be necessary to break the law, to commit acts of civil disobedience, as Southern black did, as antiwar protesters did.”
Quote by Howard Zinn
Work
You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train: A Personal History of Our Times
Written by Howard Zinn, this work is a blend of personal anecdotes and critical analysis, examining the impact of historical events on the author's life and the broader society. The book delves into the author's involvement in various social movements and his reflections on the role of activism in shaping the modern world. more
Author
Howard Zinn
American historian known for his critical analysis of historical events and advocacy for social justice. His work emphasizes the connection between history and contemporary social issues, particularly focusing on the role of ordinary people in the historical process. more
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