“I began revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith. It does not matter how small you are if you have faith and plan of action.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“I began revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith. It does not matter how small you are if you have faith and plan of action.”
Explanation
This quote is a powerful testament to the role of conviction and strategy in revolutionary success. Fidel Castro reflects on the early days of the Cuban Revolution, recalling that it began with just 82 men aboard the Granma yacht, most of whom were killed or captured shortly after landing. By stating he would do it again with even fewer—“10 or 15 and absolute faith”—he underscores that the strength of a movement lies not in numbers, but in purpose and resolve. The phrase “faith and plan of action” captures the twin engines of revolutionary change: belief in the cause and a clear, disciplined strategy.
Historically, this quote encapsulates the mythos of the Cuban Revolution, which against overwhelming odds, toppled a U.S.-backed dictatorship. Castro’s reflection is both retrospective and instructive, aimed at showing that political transformation can begin with a small, committed minority, so long as they are unshakable in their vision and methodical in their approach. It is a rejection of fatalism and an affirmation of agency in the face of overwhelming power.
In modern contexts, the quote serves as inspiration for grassroots movements and underdog struggles, from social justice campaigns to anti-colonial resistance. It reminds us that history is shaped not by size or resources alone, but by those with the courage to act on their convictions. Castro’s words challenge anyone seeking change to ask not how many followers they have, but how deeply they believe and how clearly they plan.
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