Meaning: The quote "The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it" is attributed to Abbie Hoffman, a prominent activist and social revolutionary in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. This quote encapsulates the idea that for a revolutionary to be effective in their cause, they must first ensure their own safety and freedom. It suggests that the success of a revolution depends on the ability of its leaders and participants to evade capture and persecution by those in power.

Abbie Hoffman was a key figure in the countercultural and anti-war movements of the 1960s, and he was known for his confrontational and irreverent approach to activism. He was a co-founder of the Youth International Party (Yippies), a group known for its theatrical and often humorous protests and demonstrations. Hoffman and the Yippies were involved in high-profile actions, including the disruption of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the attempt to levitate the Pentagon as a protest against the Vietnam War.

The quote can be interpreted in several ways, reflecting the complexities of revolutionary activism. On one level, it speaks to the practical necessity of evading capture in order to continue the struggle for social change. In many historical revolutions and resistance movements, leaders and activists have faced imprisonment, exile, and even death as a result of their efforts to challenge oppressive systems. By emphasizing the importance of "getting away with it," Hoffman acknowledges the risks and dangers inherent in revolutionary activities, urging those involved to prioritize their own safety as a means of preserving the movement's momentum.

At the same time, the quote may also be seen as a reflection of the strategic mindset required for effective revolutionary action. In order to challenge established power structures and effect meaningful change, revolutionaries must be able to outmaneuver and outwit their adversaries. This involves not only physical evasion but also the ability to outsmart and outmaneuver those who seek to suppress the revolutionary movement. The quote suggests that successfully "getting away with it" is not just a matter of personal survival but a critical aspect of advancing the revolutionary cause.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the tension between the individual and the collective in revolutionary movements. While the duty to "get away with it" may appear self-serving on the surface, it ultimately serves the greater goal of advancing the revolution. By prioritizing their own safety and freedom, revolutionaries can continue to inspire and mobilize others, avoiding the disruption and demoralization that can occur when key leaders are silenced or removed from the struggle.

In summary, Abbie Hoffman's quote "The first duty of a revolutionary is to get away with it" encapsulates the practical, strategic, and collective dimensions of revolutionary activism. It speaks to the imperative of self-preservation in the face of powerful opposition, the need for strategic thinking and maneuvering, and the interconnectedness of individual and collective well-being in the pursuit of social change. As a rallying cry for those engaged in challenging the status quo, the quote embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that has fueled countless revolutionary movements throughout history.