Ralph Nader Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ralph Nader.

Ralph Nader is an American political activist, author, and lawyer, born on February 27, 1934, in Winsted, Connecticut. He first gained prominence in the 1960s as a consumer advocate, dedicating himself to promoting safety regulations, challenging corporate power, and advancing consumer rights. One of his most notable achievements was the publication of his book, "Unsafe at Any Speed," in 1965, which exposed the dangers of American automobile manufacturersâ€™ resistance to incorporating safety features.

Nader's work as a consumer advocate eventually led him to become involved in politics. In 1996, he founded the United States Green Party and ran as their presidential nominee in both the 1996 and 2000 elections. He also ran as an independent candidate in several other presidential elections. Nader's campaigns drew attention to issues such as corporate influence in politics, environmental protection, and income inequality.

Beyond his political endeavors, Nader has been active in various civil society organizations, including founding several consumer advocacy groups such as Public Citizen. His relentless contributions to consumer protection has earned him both praise and criticism throughout his career. Nader continues to be an influential figure in American politics, an advocate for social justice and environmental causes, and a symbol for grassroots activism. His dedication to reform and championing the rights of everyday citizens has had a lasting impact on American society.

I once said to my father, when I was a boy, 'Dad we need a t

I once said to my father, when I was a boy, 'Dad we need a third political party.' He said to me, 'I'll settle for a second.'

Turn on to politics, or politics will turn on you.

Turn on to politics, or politics will turn on you.

Like sex in Victorian England, the reality of Big Business t

Like sex in Victorian England, the reality of Big Business today is our big dirty secret.

People are stunned to hear that one company has data files o

People are stunned to hear that one company has data files on 185 million Americans.

John D. Rockefeller wanted to dominate oil, but Microsoft wa

John D. Rockefeller wanted to dominate oil, but Microsoft wants it all, you name it: cable, media, banking, car dealerships.

For almost seventy years the life insurance industry has bee

For almost seventy years the life insurance industry has been a smug sacred cow feeding the public a steady line of sacred bull.

Obviously, the answer to oil spills is to paper-train the ta

Obviously, the answer to oil spills is to paper-train the tankers.

When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities ar

When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities are reinvigorated.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.

The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not m

The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

I don't think meals have any business being deductible. I'm

I don't think meals have any business being deductible. I'm for separation of calories and corporations.

Your best teacher is your last mistake.

Your best teacher is your last mistake.

Power has to be insecure to be responsive.

Power has to be insecure to be responsive.

This administration is not sympathetic to corporations, it i

This administration is not sympathetic to corporations, it is indentured to corporations.

Sanctions against polluters are feeble and out of date, and

Sanctions against polluters are feeble and out of date, and are rarely invoked.

Today the large organization is lord and master, and most of

Today the large organization is lord and master, and most of its employees have been desensitized much as were the medieval peasants who never knew they were serfs.

The 'democracy gap' in our politics and elections spells a d

The 'democracy gap' in our politics and elections spells a deep sense of powerlessness by people who drop out, do not vote, or listlessly vote for the 'least worst' every four years and then wonder why after every cycle the 'least worst' gets worse.

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less

A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

The nation is faced with one of the most corporate-orientate

The nation is faced with one of the most corporate-orientated anti-consumer Congresses in our history.

Every time I see something terrible, it's like I see it at a

Every time I see something terrible, it's like I see it at age 19. I keep a freshness that way.