Remember that the revolution is what is important, and each one

In the annals of human history, there are moments when the will of the people rises above the noise of individual ambition, when the revolution becomes the heartbeat of a nation, and when the collective strength of many unites to change the course of destiny. Che Guevara, the revolutionary and freedom fighter, once proclaimed: “Remember that the revolution is what is important, and each one of us, alone, is worth nothing.” These words cut to the very core of the human condition, reminding us that while the individual plays a part in the story, it is the larger cause—the revolution—that defines the true purpose and power of our existence.

Guevara’s words echo the ancient wisdom of those who understood that collective action and solidarity are the forces that shape history. The great warriors of old, whether the Spartans at Thermopylae or the Romans under the banner of their legions, knew that the strength of the individual was nothing compared to the strength of the many. A single warrior, however fierce, could be struck down in battle, but an army, united in purpose, could withstand the might of any enemy. Guevara, too, understood that true revolutionary change cannot be brought about by the will of one, no matter how strong or noble, but by the united efforts of a people who share a common vision and fight for the same cause.

This notion is seen throughout the history of revolutions, when the individual becomes a mere vessel of the larger collective movement. In the French Revolution, the vision of liberty and equality was not the work of a single man but the collective action of countless citizens rising up against centuries of tyranny. It was the people, united in their struggles and ideals, who brought about the end of the monarchy and gave birth to a new political order. Even though leaders like Maximilien Robespierre and Napoleon Bonaparte emerged, they were but symbols of the larger revolutionary wave that swept through the nation. In the face of such vast movements, the individual was a tool, an instrument to be shaped by the cause, as Guevara expressed.

Guevara himself lived by this very philosophy. As a young man, he witnessed the deep inequality and suffering in Latin America, and he realized that revolutionary change could only be achieved when people came together. His experiences in Cuba with Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution were a testament to this ideal. It was not his individual actions, nor his personal ambition, but the movement of the Cuban people that led to victory. Guevara became a symbol, not of his own personal strength, but of the revolution itself, a cause that transcended any one individual’s contributions. His words remind us that history is shaped by collective effort, and no matter how passionate or committed an individual might be, they are only a part of a greater movement.

The lesson here is profound: the revolution—whether it be political, social, or personal—is not the work of one, but the work of many. The fight for freedom, for equality, for justice cannot be carried by the shoulders of a single person, no matter how strong. It is in the unity of the people that the true power lies. The individual must become one with the cause, casting aside personal desires and ambitions to serve the larger movement. Guevara’s words challenge us to look beyond the self and recognize that our actions, our efforts, and our dreams are meaningful only when they are part of something greater than ourselves.

Just as the ancient heroes were remembered not for their personal glory but for their contribution to a greater cause, we, too, must ask ourselves: What is the revolution we are a part of? Are we, in our own lives, working towards the betterment of humanity, towards solidarity, towards justice? In a world often dominated by individual achievement and personal recognition, Guevara’s words remind us that true fulfillment comes not in seeking personal glory, but in dedicating ourselves to a cause that serves the collective good.

Let us take action: In our own lives, let us seek to be part of something greater than ourselves. Whether we fight for justice, freedom, or the betterment of others, let us remember that our individual efforts, while important, are strengthened by the unity of those around us. Let us be humble, for the revolution—the true change we seek in the world—will come not from a singular effort but from the collective will of the people united in a shared cause. As we work toward that cause, may we remember that the greatest strength lies in unity, and in the knowledge that together, we are capable of achieving the unimaginable.