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May the men who hold the destiny of peoples in their hands, studiously avoid anything that might cause the present situation to deteriorate and become even more dangerous. May they take to heart the words of the Apostle Paul: 'If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.' These words are valid not only for individuals, but for nations as well. May these nations, in their efforts to maintain peace, do their utmost to give the spirit time to grow and to act.

Albert Schweitzer#56

HumanityPeaceSpiritWarLeadershipNations

About this quote

What does it mean?
Leaders should avoid actions that worsen conflicts and instead prioritize peaceful coexistence to allow spiritual growth.
In plain terms
Leaders should choose peace to prevent danger.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize peace to allow time for spirit and reason.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • conflict
  • governance

Putting it to work

  • negotiate peace
  • avoid escalation
  • prioritize diplomacy

Questions to consider

  • What prevents leaders from choosing peace?
  • How does war affect the human spirit?

Another view

In high-tension situations, appeasement can sometimes enable aggressors.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. Only when an ideal of peace is born in the minds of the peoples will the institutions set up to maintain this peace effectively fulfill the function expected o…

    Permalink to quote #55
  2. At sunset of the third day, near the village of Igendja, we moved along an island set in the middle of the wide river. On a sandback to our left, four hippopot…

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. The only originality I claim is that for me this truth goes hand in hand with the intellectual certainty that the human spirit is capable of creating in our ti…

    Permalink to quote #54

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