This is the greatest honour I have ever received in my life. Peace has always been my greatest concern. Yet in my childhood I learned to love it. My mother-an exceptional, brilliant woman-used to speak to me about it when I was still a child, because in those years there were also a lot of wars. Moreover, I am Catalan. Catalonia had the first democratic Parliament much before than England. And it was in my country where there was a beginning of united nations. At that time-the eleventh Century-they met in Toluges-today in France-to speak about peace, because the Catalonian people of that time were already against war. That is why, the United Nations, which work only for the ideal of peace, are in my hearth, because everything relating to peace goes directly there.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Casals expresses deep gratitude for an honor, linking it to his lifelong commitment to peace rooted in childhood teachings and Catalan history.
- In plain terms
- He values this award highly because peace has always been his main goal, inspired by his mother and his culture.
- What can you take from it?
- Personal history and family values can shape a lifelong dedication to global ideals like peace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does your childhood shape your current values?
- In what ways does local history inform global action?
Another view
Historical claims about Catalonia predating English democracy or UN origins are debated by historians.
More from Pablo Casals
I have not played the cello in front of an audience since long years but I think I must do it this time. I am going to play a melody from the Catalonian folklo…
Permalink to quote #2 The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?
Permalink to quote #3 Music is not just sound.
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
Jung Ritter lere / got lip haben frawen io ere / So wechst dein ere Uebe ritterschaft und lere / kunst dy dich zyret und in krigen sere hofiret Ringens gut fes…
Johannes LichtenauerJohannes Lichtenauer quote #1 In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed - they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and the Renaissanc…
Orson WellesOrson Welles quote #2 I have not played the cello in front of an audience since long years but I think I must do it this time. I am going to play a melody from the Catalonian folklo…
Pablo CasalsPablo Casals quote #2