"I am the son of peasants and I know what is happening in the villages. That is why I wanted to take revenge, and I regret nothing"

Gavrilo Princip’s words reflect a deep identification with the rural, working-class population of his time, people who bore the brunt of imperial rule, hardship, and neglect in the Balkans. By highlighting his origins as "the son of peasants", Princip emphasizes both his social and economic background and the authenticity of his grievances. He positions himself not merely as an isolated revolutionary, but as a representative voice for millions in forgotten villages under Habsburg authority. Understanding “what is happening in the villages” goes beyond simple observation, it suggests lived experience, empathy, and a first-hand awareness of exploitation, poverty, and perhaps even injustice perpetrated by those in power.

The use of the word “revenge” indicates a personal and collective response to this suffering. Revenge, in this context, is not just an individual act of violence but is symbolic of resistance against a larger system that causes suffering for the peasants and marginalized classes. It reveals the intensity of Princip’s motivation, driven by anger and resentment cultivated by years of oppression and humiliation endured by his people. He does not act in pursuit of personal glory, but to settle scores on behalf of the downtrodden, encapsulating the vengeful spirit of nationalistic and social struggle prevalent at the time.

His declaration “I regret nothing” underlines his unwavering conviction and lack of remorse. It testifies to the strength of his beliefs and the desperation felt by those like him. This refusal to express regret serves as a powerful assertion of the righteousness of his cause, in his own eyes, regardless of the violent methods employed. Rather than distancing himself from responsibility, Princip accepts it fully, embodying the idea that when systems fail people repeatedly, drastic actions can come to seem both inevitable and justified. Through his words, he articulates the pain and frustration of an oppressed class, transformed into radical political action.