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Words of Wisdom

Lessons From José de San Martín: There Are No Quiet Revolutions

“More noise occurs from a single man shouting than a hundred thousand who are quiet.”  
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José de San Martín (1778-1850) was an Argentine general who, alongside Simón Bolívar, was one of the great liberators of South America from Spanish rule during the 1810s-20s. Born in Argentina but educated in Europe, San Martín returned to his home continent in 1812 after a resigning from the Spanish military. From 1812 to 1822 he helped liberate Argentina, Peru, and Chile. San Martín’s legacy is one of a national hero for the people of Argentina and Peru.


The quote below illustrates the power of dissent, especially when silence and obedience are the status quo:

“Hace más ruído un sólo hombre gritando que cien mil que están callados.”

“More noise occurs from a single man shouting than a hundred thousand who are quiet.”

(h/t Wikiquote)

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