Leon Trotsky

I was not prepared to play the role of singer in the camp of the warriors

Learning carries within itself certain dangers because out of necessity one has to learn from one’s enemies.

The dynamic of revolutionary events is directly determined by swift, intense, and passionate changes in the psychology of classes which have already formed themselves before the revolution.

Let us not forget that revolutions are accomplished through people, although they be nameless. Materialism does not ignore the feeling, thinking, and acting man, but explains him.

Insurrection is an art, and like all arts has its own laws.

Revolutions are always verbose.

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

A person who trusts no one can’t be trusted.

I am what I am Are you what you are or What?

Don’t hurry, don’t worry. You’re only here for a short visit. So be sure and smell the flowers.

You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another. There’s nothing to that.

You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.

Let us endeavor to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.

Man minus the Machine is a slave; Man plus the Machine is a freeman.

Throughout this life, you can never be certain of living long enough to take another breath.

Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.

Life is a full-contact sport, and there’s a score up on the board.

The present method of producing milk is too laborious. I believe that we can make milk by scientific process, eliminating the cow.

The Argument from Intimidation is a confession of intellectual impotence.

One needs to be successful in the conventional way to learn just how far away from success it may be.

“I can’t do it” never accomplished anything; “I will try” has performed miracles.