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I speak not with a feeling of anger or hatred towards those who are responsible for the immense suffering of our people and the destruction of our land, homes and culture. They too are human beings who struggle to find happiness and deserve our compassion. I speak to inform you of the sad situation in my country today and of the aspirations of my people, because in our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

Tenzin Gyatso#39

CompassionHumanityTruthWarFreedomNonviolenceStruggle

About this quote

What does it mean?
Compassion is offered even to oppressors, while truth remains the essential tool for freedom.
In plain terms
Compassion is shown to enemies but truth is used for freedom.
What can you take from it?
Use truth for justice and compassion for all people.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • political struggle
  • personal ethics

Putting it to work

  • advocate with nonviolence
  • seek truth openly
  • practice compassion toward adversaries

Questions to consider

  • How do you maintain compassion in conflict?
  • Is truth always the best weapon for freedom?

Another view

Pragmatists might argue truth alone is insufficient without power.

More from Tenzin Gyatso

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  3. When I meet people in different parts of the world, I am always reminded that we are all basically alike: we are all human beings. Maybe we have different clot…

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