Howard Zinn (1922 – 2010), the influential historian and social activist, has several simple quotes that are particularly adept at explaining the role that the average citizen has played in both horrific and progressive moments in human history.

The former:

“Historically, the most terrible things – war, genocide, and slavery – have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience”

The latter:

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world”