Michael Leunig Quotes

At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in.

The revolution is like a vessel filled with the pulsating heartbeat of millions of working people.

All great movements are popular movements. They are the volcanic eruptions of human passions and emotions, stirred into activity by the ruthless Goddess of Distress or by the torch of the spoken word cast into the midst of the people.

Revolutions are not improvised. They are not made at will by individuals, and not even by the most powerful associations. They come about through force of circumstances, and are independent of any deliberate will or conspiracy.

Something is stirring in the hearts and minds of the people.

Americans have a tendency to exalt the concept of a popular uprising.

Usually the impetus of a revolution is a relatively small group with positive goals but also a larger collection of people with resentments.

Play up the outrage factor and suddenly groups bond together like never before - and prepare to attack like never before.

We must develop huge demonstrations, because the world is used to big dramatic affairs. They think in terms of hundreds of thousands and millions and billions... Billions of dollars are appropriated at the twinkling of an eye. Nothing little counts.

Legislation won't necessarily start a riot. But the right song can make someone pick up a chair.

Nothing counts but pressure, pressure, more pressure, and still more pressure through broad organized aggressive mass action.

People and poets are marching together. Art is henceforth on a popular footing in the arena with the masses.

Revolutions begin with enthusiasm but often end in tears.

We are on the threshold of a significant breakthrough, and the greatest weapon is the mass demonstration.

The Arab world is erupting, which is extraordinary, and to see it happen is like watching rings spreading on a pool - it goes out; it varies so much. The spontaneity is wonderful, but very often, if it's not well organized, it breaks up, and it peters out.

The difference between a mob and a movement is follow-through.

In Chile, they had penas, where the community would come together to sing and plan how they were going to overthrow the government. There's a real hopefulness in that community style of organizing.

General rebellions and revolts of a whole people never were encouraged now or at any time. They are always provoked.

Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.

Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!

Every rebellion implies some kind of unity.

And revolutions always mean the breakdown of old authority.

I just wish that every responsible and concerned person would step back regardless of race and gender and just take a closer look at what's really going on in the world today, and say enough is enough!

If people are not listening to you as individuals, it's always good to get together and make a stand for something.

Did you see the statue topple? Bill Clinton got nostalgic seeing something that big in a beret go down.