Politics does not concern itself who should rule us. It is about what kind of rule people should have. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
I am a plain person. I have merely spoken out my mind. I do not say you should believe what I have said because it alone is certain. Accept such ideas as can be accepted, with the help of your reason, after a sound inquiry. Reject the rest. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
People are talking high of Thiruvalluvar. But in practice they do not respect his teachings. They act against him and disregard him. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Many crores of rupees are squandered in this country by way offering gratitude to God and bribing Him to gain greater and greater wealth. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
When the purpose of clearly exposing the differences between the Aryan and the Tamil culture, civilization, conduct and creed Thirukkural was written. I am of that firm view. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Till the end of my life, I shall never canvas for a vote. I shall not even expect a word of praise from any quarter. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Our thoughts of literary renaissance should always center themselves on the removal of superstition, meanness, indignity and ignorance. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
The terms `Husband' and `Wife' are inappropriate. They are only companions ad partners. One does not slave for other. They both have equal status. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Only education, self-respect and rational qualities will uplift the down-trodden. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
By helping the poor, we must be able to remove their poverty. By extending help to one here and one there in the form of providing food will not remove poverty. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Women in India experience much worse suffering, humiliation and slavery in all spheres than even the untouchables. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
You cannot expect any rational thought from a religious man. He is like a rocking log in water. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Religious devotion is for the individual. Character is for all. There is no loss if there is no devotion. Everything is lost if there is no character. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Whomsoever I love and hate, my principle is the same. That is, the educated, the rich and the administrators should not suck the blood of the poor. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
The proper task of social reform is to remove poverty from society and to ensure that people do not sell their conscience to make a living. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
If god is the root cause for our degradation destroy that god. If it is religion destroy it. If it is Manu Darma, Gita, or any other Mythology (Purana), burn them to ashes. If it is temple, tank, or festival, boycott them. Finally if it is our politics, come forward to declare it openly. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
Even those, who some time ago believed all the stories about God, that is who believed that divine power exists, have now come to be so ashamed of their own belief, hiding their ignorance, they are now struggling hard to prove those stories as scientifically true. - Periyar E.V. Ramasamy