Agnes Smedley Quotes, born February 23, 1892, in Osgood, Missouri, was an American journalist, writer, and activist whose fearless advocacy for social justice and women’s rights left a global mark. Best known for her semi-autobiographical novel Daughter of Earth (1929) and her chronicles of the Chinese Communist Revolution, she supported causes like Indian independence and worked in China during the 1930s. Her life was shaped by a poverty-stricken childhood and a commitment to fighting oppression. These 15 quotes—sourced from her books, interviews, and public statements—reflect her fiery passion for equality, resilience, and revolution, capturing her indomitable spirit.
15 Agnes Smedley Quotes
- “I have no country… my countrymen are the men and women who work against oppression—it does not matter where they are.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “I am become a hard, thankless, graceless girl, and it was the only way I could do it.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “Subjection of any kind and in any place is beneath the dignity of man… the highest joy is to fight by the side of those who for any reason of their own making or ours, are unable to develop to full human stature.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “Everybody calls everybody a spy, secretly, in Russia, and everybody is under surveillance. You never feel safe.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “No one yet knows what a man’s province is, and how far that province, as conceived of today, is artificial.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Thousands of women are crushed and made inarticulate by that system and never develop as their natures would force them to develop were they in a decent environment.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “But settled things were enemies to me and soon lost their newness and color. The unknown called.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “I believe only in money, not in love or tenderness. Love and tenderness meant only pain and suffering and defeat.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “When I was a girl, the West was still young, and the law of force, of physical force, was dominant.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I feel like a person living on the brink of a volcano crater.” (Interview, Quotefancy, n.d.)
- “More and more do I see that only a successful revolution in India can break England’s back forever and free Europe itself.” (Interview, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Like all my family and class, I considered it a sign of weakness to show affection; to have been caught kissing my mother would have been a disgrace.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “But I see no reason why a woman should not grow and develop in all those outlets which are suited to her nature, it matters not at all what they may be.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “To die would have been beautiful. But I belong to those who do not die for the sake of beauty.” (Daughter of Earth, 1929)
- “I have always detested the belief that sex is the chief bond between man and woman. Friendship is far more human.” (Interview, WiseFamousQuotes, n.d.)
Agnes Smedley’s quotes blaze with defiance, courage, and a relentless fight for justice, inspiring readers to challenge oppression and embrace their inner strength. Which one ignites your revolutionary spirit? Drop it in the comments and keep her fearless legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
