Agnes Smedley, the American journalist, fearlessly pursued truth and justice through her groundbreaking investigative reporting and political activism. Her commitment to social justice and anti-colonialism led her to cover key events of the 20th century, including the Chinese revolution and the Indian independence movement, cementing her reputation as a pioneering journalist and advocate for marginalized communities.
"More and more do I see that only a successful revolution in India can break England's back forever and free Europe itself. It is not a national question concerning India any longer; it is purely international."
"For months it seemed that a revolution was certain. But instead, slavery seems more likely now. The working class no longer has the physical resistance for a revolution, and the Entente is too strong, and Russia is too weak."
"In one hotel, the maid who built the fire fainted in our room. Exhaustion was the cause. We talked with her later and learned that she worked 17 hours a day and makes 95 marks a month - about 50 cents."
"I joined another circle and the leader gave us a little leaflet in very small print, asking us to read it carefully and then come prepared to ask questions. It was a technical Marxist subject and I did not understand it nor did I know what questions to ask."
"Thousands of women are crushed and made inarticulate by that system and never develop as their natures would force them to develop were they in a decent environment."
"In the little hall leading to it was a rack holding various Socialist or radical newspapers, tracts, and pamphlets in very small print and on very bad paper. The subjects treated were technical Marxist theories."
"What a couple. I'm consumed into ashes. And he's always raking up the ashes and setting them on fire again."