Eugene Victor Debs (November 5 , 1855 – October 20 , 1926 ) was an American labor and political leader and five-time Socialist Party candidate for President of the United States .
- If it had not been for the discontent of a few who had not been satisfied with their condition we could still be living in caves. Intelligent discontent is the mainspring of civilization.
- Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer for the barest necessities of life. We were taught under the old ethic that man's business on this earth was to look out for himself. That was the ethic of the jungle; the ethic of the wild beast. Take care of yourself, no matter what may become of your fellow man. Thousands of years ago the question was asked; Am I my brother's keeper? That question has never yet been answered in a way that is satisfactory to civilized society.
- Yes, I am my brother's keeper. I am under a moral obligation to him that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality but by the higher duty I owe myself. What would you think me if I were capable of seating myself at a table and gorging myself with food and saw about me the children of my fellow beings starving to death.
- While there is a lower class I am in it, while there is a criminal element I am of it; while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.
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