“The guerrilla fighters should be required to go to bed and get up at fixed hours. Games that have no social function and that hurt the morale of the troops and the consumption of alcoholic drinks should both be prohibited.”
- 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.
table of contents
Quote
“The guerrilla fighters should be required to go to bed and get up at fixed hours. Games that have no social function and that hurt the morale of the troops and the consumption of alcoholic drinks should both be prohibited.”
Explanation
In this quote, Che Guevara outlines the importance of discipline and focus within a guerrilla movement. He stresses that revolutionary fighters must maintain strict routines and avoid distractions that could undermine the morale and effectiveness of the group. Guevara understood that the struggle for revolutionary change is grueling and requires the utmost commitment and mental clarity. His directive to maintain fixed sleeping hours, for example, reflects his belief that physical health, mental sharpness, and team cohesion are crucial for the success of the guerrilla effort. Allowing unproductive games or alcohol consumption would not only waste valuable time but also create divisions within the group and negatively affect their revolutionary spirit.
This reflects Guevara’s vision of the guerrilla fighter not as an individual seeking glory, but as a disciplined soldier in a larger movement, committed to the collective effort. His approach emphasizes that guerrilla warfare is not only a military struggle but a struggle to create a new consciousness among the people, which requires constant self-control and responsibility. The prohibition of distractions serves to remind the fighters that their cause is one of deep importance, and every action they take should be aligned with the goals of the revolution. Guevara was not just concerned with military tactics, but with cultivating a revolutionary ethos within the fighters themselves—one that prioritizes sacrifice, self-discipline, and collective well-being over personal indulgence.
In modern terms, Guevara’s emphasis on discipline and focus can be applied to any social movement that seeks to achieve meaningful change. Whether it’s in the form of activist collectives, nonviolent resistance, or community organizing, maintaining a clear sense of purpose and avoiding distractions is key to success. For instance, social justice movements or environmental campaigns require individuals to work cohesively, remain dedicated to the cause, and resist the temptation of individualism or short-term pleasures that could dilute the impact of their efforts. Guevara’s words serve as a reminder that discipline, purpose, and unity are essential for any long-term revolutionary endeavor.
