The Philosopher
Howard Zinn
The face
The background
- Nationality:
- American
- Period:
- 20th century
The synopsis
Howard Zinn (August 24, 1922 – January 27, 2010) was an American historian, activist, and former WWII bombardier. He served as chairman of the history and social sciences department at Spelman College and a professor of political science at Boston University. Zinn authored over 20 books, including the bestseller "A People's History of the United States." He described himself as "something of an anarchist, something of a socialist. Maybe a democratic socialist." His work extensively covered the civil rights movement, anti-war efforts, and labor history. His memoir, "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train," inspired a 2004 documentary about his life. Zinn died at 87 from a heart attack. His legacy includes the Zinn Education Project, supporting educators using his historical approach.
The works
The quotes
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
If the gods had intended for people to vote, they would have given us candidates.
Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.
In the United States today, the Declaration of Independence hangs on schoolroom walls, but foreign policy follows Machiavelli.
If those in charge of our society - politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television - can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
We need to decide that we will not go to war, whatever reason is conjured up by the politicians or the media, because war in our time is always indiscriminate, a war against innocents, a war against children.
Most wars, after all, present themselves as humanitarian endeavors to help people.
War itself is the enemy of the human race.
One certain effect of war is to diminish freedom of expression.
When people don't understand that the government doesn't have their interests in mind, they're more susceptible to go to war.