Anarchist Quotes
Anarchist Quotes

Authors List
Authors List


Clement Duval

Clement Duval, Notorious French Anarchist

Clement Duval was born on June 19, 1850, in the French commune of Lille. As a young adult, he aligned himself with anarchist ideologies, embracing Individual reclamation and illegalism. Duval, initially a jewellery setter, became notorious for a series of burglaries, the most significant of which revolved around the theft of 15,000 francs worth of goods from a mansion in Paris. He was finally caught in 1886 and was sentenced to death, later commuted to life in penal labour.

During his years in prison, Duval wrote and published his autobiography titled 'Revolte', which detailed his experiences and his philosophical beliefs. Duval's writings, actions, and belief system were early examples of illegalism and individual reclamation, which would later become more prominent strands of anarchist thought. His life and ideology significantly influenced the anarchist movement and inspired future generations of political activists. Clement Duval passed away on March 11, 1935, in the USA, where he had spent his final years after escaping from the French prison.


Date of Birth: 1850-06-19

Date of Death: 1935-03-11

Country of Birth: France

Political Ideas: Illegalism, Individual Reclamation

Quotes Available: 8



Quotes by Clement Duval

When society refuses you the right to exist, you have to take it and not help it along, which is cowardice.
What consoles me is that there are combatants that remain, because despite all the persecution, the anarchist idea has germinated and the theoretical revolution is ending, being quickly replaced by the practice of action.
Anarchy is the negation of all authority.
The anarchists have but one party, and that is humanity.
Ah well, this is the crime that I am here for: for not recognizing the right of these people to die of plenty while the producers, the creators of all social wealth, starve.
You have accused me of theft, as if a worker that has nothing could be a thief.
I am not a robber but one who has been robbed, someone who brings justice, who says that everything belongs to everyone, and that it is this clear logic of the anarchist idea, which makes your legs tremble.
I am not a thief but a sincere revolutionary, who has the courage of his convictions and who is devoted to his cause.


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