The historic ascent of humanity, taken as a whole, may be summarized as a succession of victories of consciousness over blind forces – in nature, in society, in man himself. – Leon Trotsky
There are no absolute rules of conduct, either in peace or war. Everything depends on circumstances. – Leon Trotsky
Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man. – Leon Trotsky
The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end. – Leon Trotsky
Let no man write my epitaph; for as no man who knows my motives dare now vindicate them, let not prejudice or ignorance asperse them. Let them rest in obscurity and peace! Let my memory be left in oblivion, my tomb remain uninscribed, until other times and other men can do justice to my character. – Robert Emmet