“When workers fall back on violence, they are lost. Oh, they might win some of their demands and might end a strike a little earlier, but they give up their imagination, their creativity, their will to work hard and to suffer for what they believe is right.”

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.

Talk is cheap. It is the way we organize and use our lives everyday that tells what we believe in.

We must understand that the highest form of freedom carries with it the greatest measure of discipline.

Violence just hurts those who are already hurt. Instead of exposing the brutality of the oppressor, it justifies it.

I am an organizer, not a union leader. A good organizer has to work hard and long. There are no shortcuts. You just keep talking to people, working with them, sharing, exchanging and they come along.

What I do shows people what kind of person I am.

A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride. When people see it they know it means dignity.

In 1968, I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry, and unhappy like we do.

True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.

We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community – and this nation.

If we are full of hatred, we can’t really do our work. Hatred saps all that strength and energy we need to plan.

When a man or woman, young, or old, takes a place on the picket line for even a day or two, he will never be the same again.

In some cases non-violence requires more militancy than violence.

I became a vegetarian after realizing that animals feel afraid, cold, hungry and unhappy like we do. I feel very deeply about vegetarianism and the animal kingdom.

Being of service is not enough. You must become a servant of the people. When you do, you can demand their commitment in return.

Organizing is an educational process. The best educational process in the union is the picket line and the boycott. You learn about life.

Believe in yourself, it will give you the satisfaction.

I believe that a child going without an education is a crime.

Don’t believe everything you hear, don’t believe everything you read and only believe half of what you see.

Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.

Will you tell yourself it’s not true, when those around you all doubt? Will you believe in the power? Cast your net, pay your debt and to yourself be devout.

Without listening, don’t speak. Without seeing, don’t hear.

I started chasing excellence, And they started chasing me. You’re trying to impress the unworthy. I’m on the path, no hesitation. I have all the belief.

To pretend angels do not exist because they are invisible is to believe we never sleep because we don’t see ourselves sleeping.