John Lewis Quotes

A boycott is the most peaceful and passive kind of protest there is and can be. We do not say we hate you or even say that you are wrong. We just say that we don’t want to ride your bus.

I think there is a role for non-violent direct action when democratic channels have failed.

Civil disobedience is the only nonviolent escape from the soul-destroying heat of violence.

Civil disobedience is a viable political tactic, and a non-violent tactic.

My first civil disobedience arrest for social justice was in 1986 for protesting the SDI.

Nonviolent tactics can move into action on our behalf men not naturally inclined to act for us.

Protest is when I say this does not please me. Resistance is when I ensure what does not please me occurs no more.

Every successful social movement in this country's history has used disruption as a strategy to fight for social change. Whether it was the Boston Tea Party to the sit-ins at lunch counters throughout the South, no change has been won without disruptive action.

Change comes when people are willing to commit acts of peaceful civil disobedience.

Non-co-operation means nothing less than training in self-sacrifice.

Non-violence has suffered its biggest defeat in the hands of people who most want to talk about it.

I don’t believe in eye-for-an-eye. The most incredible, sustainable, beautiful movements have been non-violent movements of civil disobedience.

Protest is when I say I don't like this. Resistance is when I put an end to what I don't like. Protest is when I say I refuse to go along with this anymore. Resistance is when I make sure everybody else stops going along too.

If civil disobedience is the way to go about change, than I think a lot of people will be going to San Francisco

Resisting is worth doing.

Non-violence is a piece of theatre. You need an audience. What can you do when you have no audience?

Solidarity is an attitude of resistance, I suppose, or it should be.

And the spirit of revolution will not die while the hearts of these workers continue to beat.

What if you threw a protest and no one showed up? The lack of angst and anger and emotion is a big positive.

I'm an anarchist and I do think things such as Occupy Wall Street are about getting a little closer to the solution.

I believe that Gandhi was correct. Non-violent civil disobedience is the only way to bring about change that allows people to enjoy the change and not get killed in the process.

Peaceful, lawful protest - if it is effective - is innately disruptive of 'business as usual.' That is why it is effective.

Don't be a marshmallow. Walk the street with us into history. Get off the sidewalk. Stop being vegetables. Work for Justice. Viva the boycott!

The oppressed will make surer and faster progress if they eschew violence and depend, as they do mainly depend in their organizing and strike activities, on their solidarity, courage, capacity for suffering and sacrifice, and on non-cooperation where injustice becomes extreme

If you athletes boycott the Olympics, it will be like a rock dropping in the water. The ripples and waves will be felt all over. You can be that rock. No one will die and that is the way to fight.