7 Memorable Quotes From Antonio Gramsci

Antonio Gramsci has many quotes that have a rather special charm. Almost all quotes represent a perfect mixture of politics, philosophy and poetry. His quotes are also a good representation of what he was: a versatile and passionate intellectual.

Antonio Gramsci wrote most of his work in prison. Don’t worry, he didn’t kill anyone. He was simply a victim of fascism under the political persecution imposed on him by Benito Mussolini and his policies in Italy.

To have him convicted, the prosecutor said, “We must prevent this brain from functioning for the next 20 years.” Antonio was physically disfigured by a hunchback. Moreover, due to poverty, he was socially excluded. Yet he was one of the most influential Italian intellectuals of the twentieth century.

He was a communist at heart. His thinking, however, remained universal. We see this reflected in several of his quotes. Find out further in this article seven of Antonio Gramsci’s best quotes!

1. Antonio Gramsci on the mistake of intellectuals

The subject of intellectuals and their role in society was one of Gramsci’s main interests. On this subject he pointed out the following:  “The error of the intellectual is that he believes that one can acquire knowledge without understanding it and above all without feeling and without being passionate.”

Antonio was against anyone who became an intellectual just for the sake of education or simply out of affectation. On the contrary, he believed that intellectuals should serve the people who had less access to the world of ideas.

One can only achieve this when there is a real passion to understand. Then action must follow.

2. Between the old and the new world

In reality, transition periods in history have often led to great chaos and uncertainty. The reason is that the old coexists with the new, without one of the two realities succeeding in imposing itself on the other. Under these circumstances, perversion is often born.

3. False Originality

Gramsci was a revolutionary in terms of words. So there was a reason why the fascist regime was so afraid of him and let him die in prison. He died amid many humiliations. Still, he held firm to his beliefs. In one of his quotes, he warns against false resistance and false originality.

4. Antonio Gramsci on Cultural Power

This is one of Antonio Gramsci’s quotes that best reveals his way of thinking:

Unlike the Marxists of his day, Gramsci attached great importance to cultural values, more than to economics or politics. His contributions actually served to lay the foundation for democratic communism. Later this became “Eurocommunism.”

5. The ballast of history

When people talk about “ballast”, they mean that which only makes a load heavier and more painful. It is something that someone has to carry around like a burden. Moreover, this also happens without necessarily transferring it from one place to another so that it contributes something valuable.

In this regard, one of Antonio Gramsci’s quotes says:  “Indifference is the weight of history.”  It means that progress nevertheless develops over time. This happens against the lack of concern and conscience that hides behind the actions or immobility of the people who are indifferent.

6. Whining About His Enemies

In this quote, Antonio Gramsci brags about his common sense and naughtiness. He pointed out the following:  “If an enemy hurts you and you wail, then you are stupid. After all, the enemy’s stated aim was to hurt you.”

This quote seems perfectly designed for those people in today’s world who are so prone to trolls and bullies on social networks. After all, it is clear that you can expect a lack of empathy and little to no respect from an opponent or an enemy.

7. Antonio Gramsci on the Essence of War

This statement contains much truth. In this case, he was not referring specifically to religion as a doctrine but as fanaticism. They are similar because fanatic thinking is based on a certain set of beliefs, just like a religious teaching. A doctrine is made up in such a way that it breaks the dialogue. War occurs when dialogue is no longer possible.

Antonio Gramsci was only 46 years old when he died in prison. He was treated badly, including for the tuberculosis that afflicted him. Fortunately for us, he had already written a wonderful book by then: All Men are Intellectuals. Notes from Prison.