“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.”
- June 14, 1928 – October 9, 1967
- Born in Argentina
- Revolutionary, doctor, writer, politician
- He led the Cuban Revolution to success and is known as an international symbol of anti-imperialistism.
Quote
“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.”
Explanation
In this statement, Che Guevara extends an invitation to anyone who feels deep indignation at the injustice around them, positioning this emotional response as a foundation for solidarity. Guevara’s words reflect his belief that revolutionary change begins not just with intellectual understanding, but with a visceral reaction to inequality and oppression. By saying “you are a comrade of mine,” he emphasizes the importance of shared values and a common commitment to social justice, regardless of one’s background or specific circumstances. The quote speaks to the unity that can emerge when individuals feel a moral imperative to act against the wrongs of society, especially when those wrongs seem systemic or inescapable.
Guevara’s life was marked by his unwavering outrage at the injustices he witnessed, especially in Latin America, where he saw the stark disparities between the rich and the poor, and the way imperialist powers exploited the continent’s resources and people. His revolutionary activities, first in Cuba and later in his efforts in the Congo and Bolivia, were driven by this sense of moral urgency. Guevara did not only seek political change; he sought a profound transformation of the values that underpin society. His willingness to confront and act against powerful elites, even at the risk of his own life, demonstrates the strength of his belief that indignation must always be coupled with action.
In modern contexts, this quote can resonate with those involved in social movements around the world. Whether working for racial justice, economic equality, climate action, or human rights, the emotional response to injustice remains a powerful catalyst for change. Guevara’s challenge is for people to not only feel indignation but to use that emotion to organize, protest, and mobilize for a better world. The call to join in solidarity with those who are oppressed transcends time and space, suggesting that true comradeship is founded on a shared commitment to combat injustice wherever it occurs.
