Anarchist Quotes
Anarchist Quotes

Authors List
Authors List


Octave Mirbeau

Octave Mirbeau, Torchbearer of Anarchist Thought

Octave Mirbeau, born on February 16, 1848 in France, was a renowned French novelist, playwright and an influential figure in the anarchist movement. With his writings, particularly in newspapers, he espoused revolutionary ideas and fervently advocated for the rights of the worker. Mirbeau's political ideas, mainly influenced by anarcho-syndicalism and anarcho-pacifism, challenged the prevailing authority and shone a light on the conditions of the working class.

His works, particularly 'Torture Garden' and 'The Diary of a Chambermaid', often showcased anarchistic themes and became a vehicle for his political ideas. The novelist identified with anarchism as a way of challenging existing structures of power and hierarchy. He supported strikes and was a vocal critic of the government and religion. Mirbeau died on February 16, 1917, but his thoughts still resonate in the contemporary anarchist movement, inspiring many to question authority and fight for a more equitable society.


Date of Birth: 16 February 1848

Date of Death: 16 February 1917

Country of Birth: France

Political Ideas: Anarcho-syndicalism, Anarcho-pacifism

Quotes Available: 4



Quotes by Octave Mirbeau

During humankind's long centuries societies have risen and fallen, all alike in this one fact which rules all history: the great are protected, the small are crushed.
To take something from a person and keep it for oneself: that is robbery. To take something from one person and then turn it over to another in exchange for as much money as you can get: that is business.
Children, by nature, are keen, passionate and curious. What was referred to as laziness is often merely an awakening of sensitivity, a psychological inability to submit to certain absurd duties, and a natural result of the distorted, unbalanced education given to them. This laziness, which leads to an insuperable reluctance to learn, is, contrary to appearances, sometimes proof of intellectual superiority and a condemnation of the teacher.
The greatest danger of bombs is in the explosion of stupidity that they provoke.


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