A.J. Muste Quotes, born Abraham Johannes Muste on January 8, 1885, in Zierikzee, Netherlands, was a Dutch-American clergyman, pacifist, and social activist whose work in the labor, antiwar, and civil rights movements left a lasting legacy. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1891, he became a Quaker minister, led the 1919 Lawrence textile strike, and championed nonviolent resistance through the Fellowship of Reconciliation. His famous quote, “There is no way to peace, peace is the way,” inspired generations.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his essays, speeches, and interviews—reflect his insights on nonviolence, justice, peace, and the human spirit, capturing his unwavering commitment to a better world until his passing in 1967.
15 A.J. Muste Quotes
- “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” (The New York Times, November 16, 1967)
- “We cannot have peace if we are only concerned with peace. War is not an accident. It is the logical outcome of a certain way of life.” (The Essays of A.J. Muste, 1967)
- “The problem after a war is with the victor. He thinks he has just proved that war and violence pay. Who will now teach him a lesson?” (A People’s History by Howard Zinn, 1980)
- “In a world built on violence, one must be a revolutionary before one can be a pacifist.” (American Power and the New Mandarins by Noam Chomsky, 2002)
- “There is a certain indolence in us, a wish not to be disturbed, which tempts us to think that when things are quiet, all is well.” (The Essays of A.J. Muste, 1967)
- “The survival of democracy depends on the renunciation of violence and the development of nonviolent means to combat evil.” (Quoted in InspiringQuotes, 2016)
- “Joy and growth come from following our deepest impulses, however foolish they may seem to some.” (Quoted in QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “Educational enterprises do not for any length of time remain immune from the struggle of interests for power.” (New International, December 1935)
- “Violence begets violence by whomever used. War is a dirty business and entails the use of degrading means.” (Quoted in Citatis, n.d.)
- “In the defense of civil liberties there can be no exceptions, or there will soon be many.” (Quoted in AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Paradoxically, life is worth living for those who have something for which they will gladly give up life.” (InspiringQuotes, 2016)
- “No Big Power in all history ever thought of itself as an aggressor. That is still true today.” (What Would Pacifists Have Done About Hitler?, n.d.)
- “The psychological basis for nonviolent methods is the simple rule that like produces like, kindness provokes kindness.” (The Essays of A.J. Muste, 1967)
- “If I can’t love Hitler, I can’t love at all.” (The Essays of A.J. Muste, 1967)
- “Oh, I don’t do this to change the country. I do this so the country won’t change me.” (Quoted in Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott, 2005)
A.J. Muste’s quotes radiate profound wisdom, unwavering commitment to nonviolence, and a call to live for justice and peace, inspiring us to challenge oppression and embrace love. Which quote stirs your soul? Share it in the comments and keep Muste’s legacy of peace alive!
Emma Thompson
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