Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

156 Thought-Provoking Quotes By Cesar Chavez That Prove Nothing Is Impossible

Famous As: American Labour Leader, Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder of the ‘National Farm Workers Association’
Born On: March 31, 1927
Died On: April 23, 1993
Born In: Yuma, Arizona, United States
Founder / Co Founder: National Farm Workers/United Farm Workers (UFW).
Died At Age: 66

Cesar Chavez was a famed Latino-American civil rights activist and labor leader whose tale is an extraordinary one. The story of his struggle and battle for the rights of farm workers using non-violent means is truly inspiring and engrossing. It is also assumed that the hunger strikes that he did for the rights of workers eventually led to health issues which resulted in his sudden demise. He had faced a lot of adversities as a child and was able to relate well with the challenges that farm workers repeatedly faced. His cause of making the lives of farm workers better received support from all over. He called for embargoes, led several protests and went on numerous hunger strikes throughout his life. Following is a corpus of thoughts and opinions of Cesar Chavez which are till date quoted broadly. Let us browse through simple, sensible and inspirational quotes and thoughts by Cesar Chavez.

We do not need to kill or destroy to win. We are a movement that builds and not destroys.

We do not need to kill or destroy to win. We are a movement that builds and not destroys.

Cesar Chavez
However important the struggle is and however much misery and poverty and degradation exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life.

However important the struggle is and however much misery and poverty and degradation exist, we know that it cannot be more important than one human life.

Cesar Chavez
Our union represents a breaking away...represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force...however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle.

Our union represents a breaking away...represents sharing a power, represent questioning, represents a new force...however long it takes, we are geared for a struggle.

Cesar Chavez
If you give yourself totally to the nonviolence struggle for peace and justice you also find that people give you their hearts and you will never go hungry and never be alone.

If you give yourself totally to the nonviolence struggle for peace and justice you also find that people give you their hearts and you will never go hungry and never be alone.

Cesar Chavez
I think one of the great, great problems...is confusing people to the point where they become immobile. In fact, the more things people can find out for themselves, the more vigor the organization is going to have.

I think one of the great, great problems...is confusing people to the point where they become immobile. In fact, the more things people can find out for themselves, the more vigor the organization is going to have.

Cesar Chavez
If you win non-violently, then you have a double victory, you have not only won your fight, but you remain free.

If you win non-violently, then you have a double victory, you have not only won your fight, but you remain free.

Cesar Chavez
We're going to pray a lot and picket a lot.

We're going to pray a lot and picket a lot.

Cesar Chavez
The strike and the boycott, they have cost us much. What they have not paid us in wages, better working conditions, and new contracts, they have paid us in self-respect and human dignity.

The strike and the boycott, they have cost us much. What they have not paid us in wages, better working conditions, and new contracts, they have paid us in self-respect and human dignity.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
We are organizers at heart. Most of us in the movement take great pride in being able to put things together.

We are organizers at heart. Most of us in the movement take great pride in being able to put things together.

Cesar Chavez
In non-violence the cause has to be just and clear as well as the means.

In non-violence the cause has to be just and clear as well as the means.

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

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

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

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

Cesar Chavez
We are certain God's will is that all men share in the good things this earth produces.

We are certain God's will is that all men share in the good things this earth produces.

Cesar Chavez
The only ones who make things change are fanatics. If you're not a fanatic around here, you can't cut it.

The only ones who make things change are fanatics. If you're not a fanatic around here, you can't cut it.

Cesar Chavez
You know, if people are not pacifists, it's not their fault. It's because society puts them in that spot. You've got to change it. You don't just change a man - you've got to change his environment as you do it.

You know, if people are not pacifists, it's not their fault. It's because society puts them in that spot. You've got to change it. You don't just change a man - you've got to change his environment as you do it.

Cesar Chavez
Look at the John Birch Society. Look at Hitler. The reactionaries are always better organizers.

Look at the John Birch Society. Look at Hitler. The reactionaries are always better organizers.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
Non-violence exacts a very high price from one who practices it. But once you are able to meet that demand then you can do most things.

Non-violence exacts a very high price from one who practices it. But once you are able to meet that demand then you can do most things.

Cesar Chavez
Non violence means people in action. People have to understand that with non-violence goes a hell of a lot of organization.

Non violence means people in action. People have to understand that with non-violence goes a hell of a lot of organization.

Cesar Chavez
We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.

We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.

Cesar Chavez
The basis for peace is respecting all creatures.

The basis for peace is respecting all creatures.

Cesar Chavez
If you're not frightened that you might fail, you'll never do the job. If you're frightened, you'll work like crazy.

If you're not frightened that you might fail, you'll never do the job. If you're frightened, you'll work like crazy.

Cesar Chavez
I would not take one cup of coffee from a grower...There's not a good one. I hate them. A few presents, a little talk, then the noose. That's how capitalism works.

I would not take one cup of coffee from a grower...There's not a good one. I hate them. A few presents, a little talk, then the noose. That's how capitalism works.

Cesar Chavez
Years of misguided teaching have resulted in the destruction of the best in our society, in our cultures and in the environment.

Years of misguided teaching have resulted in the destruction of the best in our society, in our cultures and in the environment.

Cesar Chavez
The non-violent technique does not depend for its success on the goodwill of the oppressor, but rather on the unfailing assistance of God.

The non-violent technique does not depend for its success on the goodwill of the oppressor, but rather on the unfailing assistance of God.

Cesar Chavez
What is at stake is human dignity. If a man is not accorded respect he cannot respect himself and if he does not respect himself, he cannot demand it.

What is at stake is human dignity. If a man is not accorded respect he cannot respect himself and if he does not respect himself, he cannot demand it.

Cesar Chavez
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.

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.

Cesar Chavez
The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.

The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.

Cesar Chavez
Do not romanticize the poor...We are all people, human beings subject to the same temptations and faults as all others. Our poverty damages our dignity.

Do not romanticize the poor...We are all people, human beings subject to the same temptations and faults as all others. Our poverty damages our dignity.

Cesar Chavez
In the no-nonsense school of adversity, which we did not choose for ourselves, we are learning how to operate a labor union.

In the no-nonsense school of adversity, which we did not choose for ourselves, we are learning how to operate a labor union.

Cesar Chavez
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.

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.

Cesar Chavez
Nonviolence is really tough. You don't practice nonviolence at conferences; you practice it on picket-lines.

Nonviolence is really tough. You don't practice nonviolence at conferences; you practice it on picket-lines.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
It takes a lot of punishment to be able to do anything to change the social order.

It takes a lot of punishment to be able to do anything to change the social order.

Cesar Chavez
Self dedication is a spiritual experience.

Self dedication is a spiritual experience.

Cesar Chavez
We are suffering. We have suffered. And we are not afraid to suffer in order to win our cause.

We are suffering. We have suffered. And we are not afraid to suffer in order to win our cause.

Cesar Chavez
When any person suffers for someone in greater need, that person is a human.

When any person suffers for someone in greater need, that person is a human.

Cesar Chavez
When you sacrifice, you force others to sacrifice. It's an extremely powerful weapon.

When you sacrifice, you force others to sacrifice. It's an extremely powerful weapon.

Cesar Chavez
Our very lives are dependent, for sustenance, on the sweat and sacrifice of the campesinos. Children of farm workers should be as proud of their parents' professions as other children are of theirs.

Our very lives are dependent, for sustenance, on the sweat and sacrifice of the campesinos. Children of farm workers should be as proud of their parents' professions as other children are of theirs.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
There are many reasons for why a man does what de does. To be himself he must be able to give it all. If a leader cannot give it all he cannot expect his people to give anything.

There are many reasons for why a man does what de does. To be himself he must be able to give it all. If a leader cannot give it all he cannot expect his people to give anything.

Cesar Chavez
Just as Dr. King was a disciple of Gandhi and Christ, we must now be Dr. King's disciples. 
 Dr. King challenged us to work for a greater humanity. I only hope that we are worthy of his challenge.

Just as Dr. King was a disciple of Gandhi and Christ, we must now be Dr. King's disciples. Dr. King challenged us to work for a greater humanity. I only hope that we are worthy of his challenge.

Cesar Chavez
I'm not going to ask for anything unless the workers want it. If they want it, they'll ask for it.

I'm not going to ask for anything unless the workers want it. If they want it, they'll ask for it.

Cesar Chavez
The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.

The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being but it is also the most true to our nature.

Cesar Chavez
Because we have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer in order to survive, we are ready to give up everything - even our lives - in our struggle for justice.

Because we have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer in order to survive, we are ready to give up everything - even our lives - in our struggle for justice.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
When you have people together who believe in something very strongly - whether it's religion or politics or unions - things happen.

When you have people together who believe in something very strongly - whether it's religion or politics or unions - things happen.

Cesar Chavez
[We believe that unions have always been about much more than the industries in which they operate.] The fight is never about grapes or lettuce, ... It is always about people.

[We believe that unions have always been about much more than the industries in which they operate.] The fight is never about grapes or lettuce, ... It is always about people.

Cesar Chavez
There is enough love and good will in our movement to give energy to our struggle and still have plenty left over to break down and change the climate of hate and fear around us.

There is enough love and good will in our movement to give energy to our struggle and still have plenty left over to break down and change the climate of hate and fear around us.

Cesar Chavez
Together, all things are possible

Together, all things are possible

Cesar Chavez
In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.

In the final analysis it doesn't really matter what the political system is...We don't need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.

Cesar Chavez
Never, never is it possible to reach someone if you become angry or bitter only love and gentleness can do it. Maybe not this time but maybe the next or the hundredth time.

Never, never is it possible to reach someone if you become angry or bitter only love and gentleness can do it. Maybe not this time but maybe the next or the hundredth time.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
There's no reason to be non-violent. There's no challenge unless you are living for people.

There's no reason to be non-violent. There's no challenge unless you are living for people.

Cesar Chavez
You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read.

You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read.

Cesar Chavez
Concentration is inspiration. You must be completely overtaken by your work and your subject. Only then do all your influences and experience come up to the surface.

Concentration is inspiration. You must be completely overtaken by your work and your subject. Only then do all your influences and experience come up to the surface.

Cesar Chavez
I've always maintained that it isn't the form that's going to make the difference. It isn't the rule or the procedure or the ideology, but it's human beings that will make it.

I've always maintained that it isn't the form that's going to make the difference. It isn't the rule or the procedure or the ideology, but it's human beings that will make it.

Cesar Chavez
Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others.

Only when we have become nonviolent towards all life will we have learned to live well with others.

Cesar Chavez
There's no turning back...We will win. We are winning because ours is a revolution of mind and heart...

There's no turning back...We will win. We are winning because ours is a revolution of mind and heart...

Cesar Chavez
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.

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.

Cesar Chavez
When the man who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of feeding, sheltering, and caring for his own family, the whole community of man is sick.

When the man who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of feeding, sheltering, and caring for his own family, the whole community of man is sick.

Cesar Chavez
You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.

You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.

Cesar Chavez
We have seen the future, and the future is ours.

We have seen the future, and the future is ours.

Cesar Chavez
Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed.

Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed.

Cesar Chavez
It's ironic that those who till the soil, cultivate and harvest the fruits, vegetables, and other foods that fill your tables with abundance have nothing left for themselves.

It's ironic that those who till the soil, cultivate and harvest the fruits, vegetables, and other foods that fill your tables with abundance have nothing left for themselves.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
Kindness and compassion toward all living things is the mark of a civilized society.

Kindness and compassion toward all living things is the mark of a civilized society.

Cesar Chavez
In giving of yourself, you will discover a whole new life full of meaning and love.

In giving of yourself, you will discover a whole new life full of meaning and love.

Cesar Chavez
Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Non-violence is hard work.

Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Non-violence is hard work.

Cesar Chavez
Grant me courage to serve others; 
 For in service there is true life.

Grant me courage to serve others; For in service there is true life.

Cesar Chavez
The people united will never be defeated.

The people united will never be defeated.

Cesar Chavez
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.

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.

Cesar Chavez
To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence.

To make a great dream come true, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream; the second is persistence.

Cesar Chavez
As long as we have a poor country bordering California, it's going to be very difficult to win strikes.

As long as we have a poor country bordering California, it's going to be very difficult to win strikes.

Cesar Chavez
There is no law for farm labor organizing, save the law of the jungle.

There is no law for farm labor organizing, save the law of the jungle.

Cesar Chavez
Without a union, the people are always cheated, and they are so innocent.

Without a union, the people are always cheated, and they are so innocent.

Cesar Chavez
Farm workers are society's canaries. Farm workers - and their children - demonstrate the effects of pesticide poisoning before anyone else.

Farm workers are society's canaries. Farm workers - and their children - demonstrate the effects of pesticide poisoning before anyone else.

Cesar Chavez
If you want to remember me, organize!

If you want to remember me, organize!

Cesar Chavez
There is no substitute for hard work, 23 or 24 hours a day. And there is no substitute for patience and acceptance.

There is no substitute for hard work, 23 or 24 hours a day. And there is no substitute for patience and acceptance.

Cesar Chavez
Who gets the risks? The risks are given to the consumer, the unsuspecting consumer and the poor work force. And who gets the benefits? The benefits are only for the corporations, for the money makers.

Who gets the risks? The risks are given to the consumer, the unsuspecting consumer and the poor work force. And who gets the benefits? The benefits are only for the corporations, for the money makers.

Cesar Chavez
The burdens of generations of poverty and powerlessness lie heavy in the fields of America. If we fail, there are those who will see violence as the shortcut to change.

The burdens of generations of poverty and powerlessness lie heavy in the fields of America. If we fail, there are those who will see violence as the shortcut to change.

Cesar Chavez
What we do know absolutely is that human lives are worth more than grapes and that innocent-looking grapes on the table may disguise poisonous residues hidden deep inside where washing cannot reach.

What we do know absolutely is that human lives are worth more than grapes and that innocent-looking grapes on the table may disguise poisonous residues hidden deep inside where washing cannot reach.

Cesar Chavez
Since the Church is to be servant to the poor, it is our fault if that wealth is not channeled to help the poor in our world.

Since the Church is to be servant to the poor, it is our fault if that wealth is not channeled to help the poor in our world.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
We learned many years ago that the rich may have money, but the poor have time.

We learned many years ago that the rich may have money, but the poor have time.

Cesar Chavez
To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men!

To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men!

Cesar Chavez
When we are really honest with ourselves we must admit our lives are all that really belong to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines the kind of men we are.

When we are really honest with ourselves we must admit our lives are all that really belong to us. So it is how we use our lives that determines the kind of men we are.

Cesar Chavez
From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems and fill their own needs with dignity and strength.

From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems and fill their own needs with dignity and strength.

Cesar Chavez
If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart.

If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart.

Cesar Chavez
We farm workers are closest to food production. We were the first to recognize the serious health hazards of agriculture pesticides to both consumers and ourselves.

We farm workers are closest to food production. We were the first to recognize the serious health hazards of agriculture pesticides to both consumers and ourselves.

Cesar Chavez
We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live. We shall endure.

We draw our strength from the very despair in which we have been forced to live. We shall endure.

Cesar Chavez
There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence.

There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence.

Cesar Chavez
The end of all knowledge should be service to others.

The end of all knowledge should be service to others.

Cesar Chavez
You are never strong enough that you don't need help.

You are never strong enough that you don't need help.

Cesar Chavez
The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.

The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.

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

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

Cesar Chavez
Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity?

Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity?

Cesar Chavez
Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves - and be free.

Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves - and be free.

Cesar Chavez
Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.

Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.

Cesar Chavez
Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.

Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.

Cesar Chavez
We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.

We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.

Cesar Chavez