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As long as we are not actually destroyed, we can work to gain greater understanding of other peoples and to try to present to the peoples of the world the values of our own beliefs. We can do this by demonstrating our conviction that human life is worth preserving and that we are willing to help others to enjoy benefits of our civilization just as we have enjoyed it. (20 December 1961)

Eleanor Roosevelt#51

PeaceValuesCooperationHumanityUnderstanding

About this quote

What does it mean?
As long as humanity survives, we should work to understand others and share our values through action and help.
In plain terms
Help others and share your values if you can.
What can you take from it?
Demonstrate that human life is worth preserving through action.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • humanitarian aid
  • diplomacy

Putting it to work

  • share benefits
  • demonstrate values
  • build understanding

Questions to consider

  • How do you show your values to others?
  • What makes life worth preserving?

Another view

Sharing values can sometimes be seen as cultural imposition.

More from Eleanor Roosevelt

  1. We should begin in our own environment and in our own community as far as possible to build a peace-loving attitude and learn to discipline ourselves to accept…

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  2. We face the future fortified with the lessons we have learned from the past. It is today that we must create the world of the future. Spinoza, I think, pointed…

    Permalink to quote #52
  3. A consciousness of the fact that war means practically total destruction is the reason, I think, for the rising tide to prevent what seems such a senseless pro…

    Permalink to quote #49

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