Portrait of Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro

Cuban revolutionary leader

Modern influential 191 sayings

Sayings by Fidel Castro

I became a Communist by studying capitalist political economy, and when I had some understanding of that problem, it actually seemed to me so absurd, so irrational, so inhuman, that I simply began to elaborate on my own formulas for production and distribution.

Unknown, likely reflecting on his early political development — From 'My Life: A Spoken Autobiography'.
Educational Disputed

I think that I will die with the boots on.

Unknown — General statement about his commitment to his duties.
Life & Death Unverifiable

I think that I will die with the boots on.

Unknown — General statement about his commitment to his duties.
Life & Death Confirmed

Sorry, I'm still a dialectical materialist.

Unknown — General statement, perhaps in a conversation where his ideological stance was questioned.
Wisdom Unverifiable

Sorry, I'm still a dialectical materialist.

Unknown — General statement, perhaps in a conversation where his ideological stance was questioned.
Wisdom Disputed

I'll be 90 years old soon. Soon I'll be like all the others. The time will come for all of us, but the ideas of the Cuban Communists will remain as proof that on this planet, if one works with fervor and dignity, they can produce the material and cultural goods that human beings need and that need to be fought for without ever giving up.

2016 — Speech at a congress of the Cuban Communist Party.
Political Unverifiable

I'll be 90 years old soon. Soon I'll be like all the others. The time will come for all of us, but the ideas of the Cuban Communists will remain as proof that on this planet, if one works with fervor and dignity, they can produce the material and cultural goods that human beings need and that need to be fought for without ever giving up.

2016 — Speech at a congress of the Cuban Communist Party.
Political Confirmed

I ask your forgiveness for having fallen. To prevent speculation, I observe I have a fracture in the knee and maybe the arm too, I'm not sure.

2004 (approx) — After falling during a speech.
Wisdom Unverifiable

I ask your forgiveness for having fallen. To prevent speculation, I observe I have a fracture in the knee and maybe the arm too, I'm not sure.

2004 (approx) — After falling during a speech.
Wisdom Confirmed

I am a Marxist-Leninist and I will be a Marxist-Leninist until the last day of my life.

1965 — Television interview with Herbert Matthews of The New York Times
Wisdom Unverifiable

I began the revolution with 82 men. If I had to do it again, I would do it with 10 or 15 and absolute faith. It does not matter how small you are if you have faith and a plan of action.

1959 — Interview with ABC News
Biblical Confirmed

I think that a man should not be deprived of his life, not even if he commits a crime. But when a nation is in danger, when a nation is confronted with the possibility of being destroyed, then the nation has the right to use any means to defend itself.

1960 — Speech to the United Nations General Assembly
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

I reached the conclusion that the only way to save the world was to organize it on a socialist basis. And that was when I became a Marxist-Leninist.

1987 — Interview with Gianni Minà
Political Unverifiable

The United States has no right to tell us what to do. We are a sovereign country. We are not a colony of the United States.

1961 — Speech during the Bay of Pigs invasion aftermath
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am not an adventurer, but one of those who is willing to give his life to defend what he believes.

1959 — Speech in Havana
Inspirational Unverifiable

Condemn me, it does not matter. History will absolve me.

1953 — Defense speech in court after the Moncada Barracks attack ('History Will Absolve Me')
Educational Confirmed

I find capitalism repugnant. It is filthy, it is gross, it is alienating... because it causes war, hypocrisy and competition.

2006 — Interview with Ignacio Ramonet, published as 'Fidel Castro: My Life'
Political Unverifiable

The greatest danger threatening us is not that of being defeated, but that of being corrupted.

1962 — Speech at the University of Havana
War & Conflict Unverifiable

A revolution is a war to the death between the past and the future.

1960 — Speech
Political Unverifiable

I am not afraid of death. I am afraid of dishonor.

Unknown — Reported statement
Life & Death Unverifiable
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