Ravachol's declarations
If I speak, it is not to defend myself against the acts of which I am accused, because only society, which through its organization pits men in continual struggle against one another, is responsible. Indeed, do we not see today, in all classes and professions, people who wish—not death, because that sounds bad to the ear—but misfortune upon their fellow humans if it can bring them advantages? For example, does a boss not hope to see a competitor disappear; would not all merchants in general want, reciprocally, to be the sole ones to enjoy the benefits such occupations may bring?
Does the unemployed worker not wish, in order to get work, that for whatever reason the one who is employed be thrown out of the workshop? Well, in a society where such things happen, one should not be surprised by acts like those I am reproached with, which are nothing but the logical consequence of the struggle for existence that forces men, in order to live, to use every kind of means. And since everyone is for themselves, is someone in need not reduced to doing what they must?
Well, since this is the case, I have no reason to hesitate, when I am hungry, to use the means at my disposal, even at the risk of causing victims! Do bosses, when they lay off workers, worry whether they will starve to death? Do all those who have more than enough concern themselves with whether there are people lacking in necessities?
There are indeed a few who offer help, but they are powerless to relieve everyone