"When society refuses you the right to exist, you have to take it and not help it along, which is cowardice."
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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
