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Peace

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“We're a peaceful nation. Yet, as we have learned, so suddenly and so tragically, there can be no peace in a world of sudden terror. In the face of today's new threat, the only way to pursue peace is to pursue those who threaten it.”
George W. Bush (born 1946) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have no joy in strife, Peace is my great desire; Yet God forbid I lose my life Through fear to face the fire.A peaceful man must fight For that which peace demands,— Freedom and faith, honor and right, Defend with heart and hands.”
Henry van Dyke (1852–1933) first seen 1918 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Peaceful Warrior, st. 1-2 (May 1918).
“I shall not give up the hope of a peaceful solution, or abandon my efforts for peace, as long as any chance for peace remains. I would not hesitate to pay even a third visit to Germany, if I thought it would do any good.”
Neville Chamberlain (1869–1940) first seen 1938 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Broadcast (27 September 1938), quoted in The Times (28 September 1938), p. 10
“Brothers! I have the honour and I am proud to be in your ranks, and I pledge the Almighty that I will always struggle for the sake of peace. As for the forces of the Army which we have prepared, we prepared them to face those who attacks [sic] peace. We are a peaceful and a neutral state. We attack no one, but anyone who attacks us and starts aggression, we will stop him.”
Abd al-Karim Qasim (1914–1963) first seen 1959 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech delivered at the second congress of the peace partisans (April 14, 1959).
“We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world. Our main preoccupation is with economic and social development at home and peace and friendship abroad.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966) said by 1966 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Wars end when nations agree that war is an unsatisfactory instrument for solving their dispute; wars begin when nations agree that peaceful diplomacy is an unsatisfactory instrument for solving their dispute. Agreement is the essence of the transition from peace to war and from war to peace, for those are merely alternating phases of a relationship between nations.”
Geoffrey Blainey (born 1930) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Peace! Following my long-term service, it became clear to me that peace is to be built in peaceful times, rather than in the times of war.”
Roger Etchegaray (1922–2019) first seen 2019 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Excerpt from the necrology of the Kathpress agency, 5th September 2019. Quoted in: "Odlazak velikih mirotvoraca", Glas Koncila, 15th September 2019, No. 2360, p. 5.
“(Q: "will that be your major goal-to achieve peace?") Yes, yes-to put out into the world a vision of peaceful living and of how human beings can relate to one another harmoniously and joyfully and how groups of people come together. I feel that peace has hardly been imagined. It is rarely dramatized in the theater, in the movies, even in books.”
Maxine Hong Kingston (born 1940) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“As the reflections of our pride upon our defects are bitter, disheartening, and vexatious, so the return of the soul towards God is peaceful and sustained by confidence. You will find by experience how much more your progress will be aided by this simple, peaceful turning towards God, than by all your chagrin and spite at the faults that exist in you.”
François Fénelon (1651–1715) said by 1715 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In a peaceful settlement we can give Tibet diplomatic support... but we cannot give any help in the event of an invasion. Nor can any other country... It is for the Tibetans to make their choice between war and a peaceful settlement but in doing so they should clearly understand the consequences of their choice.”
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) first seen 1950 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: To the Tibetan delegation, on 8 September 1950. SWJN, XV.I.434–36. and in Arun Shourie - Self-Deception _ India's China Policies_ Origins, Premises, Lessons-Harper Collins (2013)
“Cold Mountain is hidden in white clouds It's peaceful to be cut off from the busy world I use dry grass for cushions in my mountain home My only light is the round moon My bed is the rock beside the green pool Tigers and deer are my companions I delight in this happy peaceful life Forever beyond the world of men”
Hanshan (born 800) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We can see that the forces that staged the coup in Ukraine in 2014 have seized power, are keeping it with the help of ornamental election procedures and have abandoned the path of a peaceful conflict settlement. For eight years, for eight endless years we have been doing everything possible to settle the situation by peaceful political means.”
Vladimir Putin (born 1952) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The warm look of radiance on your face And your heart beating close to mine And the evening fading in the candle glow This must be what it's all about Oh this must be what it's all about This must be what paradise is like So quiet in here. So peaceful in here So quiet in here, yeah, so peaceful in here.”
Van Morrison (born 1945) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Conflicts between nations will continue to arise. The real issue is whether they are to be resolved by force, or by resort to peaceful methods and procedures, administered by impartial institutions. This very Organization itself is the greatest such institution, and it is in a more powerful United Nations that we seek, and it is here that we shall find, the assurance of a peaceful future.”
Haile Selassie (1892–1975) said by 1975 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We were standing, Standing by peaceful watersStanding by peaceful watersWhoa, wah, oh wha, oh Whoa, wah, oh wha, oh”
John Prine (1946–2020) said by 2020 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“So don't be in a hurry and try to push or rush your practice. Do your meditation gently and gradually step by step. In regard to peacefulness, if you want to become peaceful, then accept it; if you don't become peaceful, then accept that also. That's the nature of the mind. We must find our own practice and persistently keep at it.”
Ajahn Chah (1918–1992) said by 1992 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Listen to me – the reunification of Taiwan will happen by peaceful means preferably, and by non-peaceful means if necessary. No country will be able to deprive China’s mission of national reunification.”
Victor Gao (born 1962) first seen 2021 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: ‘Brainless’ Australia a target for ‘nuclear war’, warns top China expert" in News.co.au' (21 September 2021)
“It is said prayers without action is not real so how I pray that our prayers are matched by our action if we do that we definitely will have peaceful elections, a peaceful transition and a nation that stands together.”
Martha Karua (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“How many families like this may still be destroyed by the war? Those are Russia’s Hunger Games. Hunting for peaceful people in peaceful cities of Ukraine. They will never broadcast this on their news. That’s why I’m showing it to you here.”
Olena Zelenska (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is our solemn duty and obligation to defend the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait. It is China that is attempting to use military force to invade Taiwan and to change the peaceful status quo in the Taiwan Strait.”
Chen Shui-bian (born 1950) first seen 2007 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chen Shui-bian Talkasia Transcript" in CNN (2 February 2007)
“At 04:00 on 22 February you'll feel [our new policy]. I'd like 2022 to be peaceful. But I love the truth, for 70 years I've said the truth. It won't be peaceful. It will be a year when Russia once again becomes great.”
Vladimir Zhirinovsky (1946–2022) said by 2022 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Ghana was a peaceful and democratic country that has successfully witnessed 8 peaceful elections since 1993 when the country returned to constitutional rule.”
Angelina Baiden-Amissah (born 1954) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The fact is, there was a political abduction...This unfortunately has paved the way for occupation and we launch an appeal for peaceful resistance...I'm choosing my words carefully: for a peaceful resistance...I am the elected president and I remain the elected president. I am pleading for the restoration of democracy”
Jean-Bertrand Aristide (born 1953) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: speaking at press conference while exiled in the Central African Republic, quoted here (8 Mar 2004)
“I say it, and I say it again, the Haitian people are a non-violent people. They voted for democracy. They will continue to fight in a peaceful way for democracy, and I will continue to be faithful to them doing the same. The peaceful approach, fighting peacefully for the restoration of the constitutional order.”
Jean-Bertrand Aristide (born 1953) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You have much more power when you are working for the right thing than when you are working against the wrong thing. And, of course, if the right thing is established wrong things will fade away of their own accord. Grass-roots peace work is vitally important. All who work for peace belong to a special peace fellowship — whether we work together or apart.”
Peace Pilgrim (1908–1981) said by 1981 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Peoples of all the warring countries are trying to put an end to the war, to establish peace. And we believe that they will get peace. And the sooner they get peace the better.”
Semyon Timoshenko (1895–1970) first seen 1938 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in "The American review on the Soviet Union" - Page 10 - by American Russian Institute - 1938
“Every time an Arab leader truly wanted peace, they got it. If the Palestinians truly want peace, we will make peace.”
Benjamin Netanyahu (born 1949) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech to the United Nations General Assembly, as quoted in "Netanyahu speech / PM slams Gaza probe, challenges UN to confront Iran" in Haaretz (24 September 2009)
“You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you and allowing that goodness to emerge. If peace is really what you want, then choose peace. The moment that judgement stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace.”
Eckhart Tolle (born 1948) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My child, I bless you from my heart that you live long, attain devotion, and enjoy peace. Peace is the principal thing. One needs peace alone.”
Sarada Devi (1853–1920) said by 1920 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Remember, each one of us has the power to change the world. Power works in mysterious ways. You don’t have to do much. Visualise the domino effect And just start thinking PEACE. The message will circulate faster than you think. It’s Time For Action. The Action is PEACE. Spread the word. Spread PEACE. I love you!”
Yoko Ono (born 1933) first seen 2009 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 9 October 2009.
“In sum, the Nobel Peace Prize often has nothing to do with peace and too much to do with war. It frequently sees "peace" through the eyes of the western plutocracy. For that reason alone, we should not join in the applause.”
Michael Parenti (1933–2026) first seen 2014 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Nobel Peace Prize for War" (2014)
“Two sorts of peace are more to be dreaded than all the troubles in the world — peace with sin, and peace in sin.”
Joseph Alleine (1634–1668) said by 1668 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Peace for me is not the absence of war. Peace is the presence of conditions that give dignity to all of us – conditions like housing, everything – peace is the presence of those conditions that give dignity to all.”
Leymah Gbowee (born 1972) first seen 2011 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Defining peace. Nobel Peace Prize 2011
“Anger has an enemy: Peace. Peace has no enemy. Peace has a special friend: Joy. Anger has only one friend: Destruction.”
Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) said by 2007 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Perfect peace has no historical antecedents and therefore no practical meaning in a world in which conflict among men is persistent and pervasive. If real peace is to exist, it must exist along with men’s ambitions, their pride, and their hatreds. A peace that fails to take these things into account will not last.”
Richard Nixon (1913–1994) said by 1994 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“With the destructive power of today's weapons, keeping the peace is not just a goal; it's a sacred obligation. But maintaining peace requires more than sincerity and idealism—more than optimism and good will. As you know well, peace is a product of hard, strenuous labor by those dedicated to its preservation. It requires realism, not wishful thinking.”
Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) first seen 1982 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Toasts of the President and United Nations Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar at a Luncheon in New York City " (17 June 1982); online at The American Presidency Project by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley
“On this fourth day of July, 1962, we who are gathered at this same hall, entrusted with the fate and future of our States and Nation, declare now our vow to do our part to lift the weights from the shoulders of all, to join other men and nations in preserving both peace and freedom, and to regard any threat to the peace or freedom of one as a threat to the peace and freedom of all.”
John F. Kennedy (1917–1963) said by 1963 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Our proper business is improvement. Let our age be the age of improvement. In a day of peace, let us advance the arts of peace and the works of peace. Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.”
Daniel Webster (1782–1852) said by 1852 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“For the first time in the history of the world, your young men are dying in a war that — despite all its horrors — is for them an experience of love. Do not betray them. Let them dictate their peace when the time comes! Let that peace reassemble them! This war is honorable; may their spiritual faith make peace as honorable.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944) said by 1944 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In the days and in the years that are to come we shall work for a just and honorable peace, a durable peace, as today we work and fight for total victory in war. We can and we will achieve such a peace.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) said by 1945 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Every Conservative desires peace. The threat to peace comes from Communism, which has powerful forces ready to attack anywhere. Communism waits for weakness, it leaves strength alone. Britain therefore must be strong, strong in arms, and strong in faith in her own way of life. The greatest hope for peace lies in friendship and co-operation with the United States of America.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) first seen 1951 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: 1951 General Election Address (8 October 1951)
“The West as a whole in the early 1990s became obsessed with a 'peace dividend' that would be spent over and over again on any number of soft-hearted and sometimes soft-headed causes. Politicians forgot that the only real peace dividend is peace.”
Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013) said by 2013 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“That peace which is within us, we must experience it. And if we are searching for peace outside we will never find the peace within.”
Prem Rawat (born 1957) first seen 1971 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Satyalok Ashram, Muradnagar, Meerut, India, Baisakhi Festival, April 12, 1971, 710412 (Translated from Hindi)
“Every human being has to find their own peace. Peace is within you and me. When you and I can experience who we really are, what life is, and what we are doing here, that’s the day peace will begin in this world.”
Prem Rawat (born 1957) first seen 1981 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Dublin, Eire, October 7, 1981
“This peace is not the absence of anything. Real peace is the presence of something beautiful. Both peace and the thirst for it have been in the heart of every human being in every century and every civilization.”
Prem Rawat (born 1957) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Address to faculty, students and guests at Harvard University's Sanders Theater (August 2004)
“Peace is more important than all justice; and peace was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace.”
Martin Luther (1483–1546) first seen 1530 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On Marriage (1530)
“Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free. True peace with oneself and with the world around us can only be achieved through the development of mental peace.”
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“From time immemorial, people have talked about peace without achieving it. Do we simply lack enough experience? Though we talk peace, we wage war. Sometimes we even wage war in the name of peace. . . . War may be too much a part of history to be eliminated—ever.”
Elie Wiesel (1928–2016) first seen 1991 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in "Is World Peace on the Horizon?", in The Watchtower (April 15, 1991)
“The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all than you encounter.”
Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) said by 1969 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Inspire! What Great Leaders Do (2004) by Lance Secretan, p. 45
“Without free, self-respecting, and autonomous citizens there can be no free and independent nations. Without internal peace, that is, peace among citizens and between the citizens and the state, there can be no guarantee of external peace.”
Václav Havel (1936–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source