Skip to content
quotesby

The world has shrunk. Increasingly peoples and nations have grown dependent on one another. No one can any longer act entirely in his own interest. It is therefore imperative that we should accept mutual responsibility for all political, economic, and ecological problems. In view of this, fewer and fewer people would venture to dismiss the Dalai Lama's philosophy as utopian: on the contrary, one would be increasingly justified in asserting that his gospel of nonviolence is the truly realistic one, with most promise for the future. And this applies not only to Tibet but to each and every conflict. The future hopes of oppressed millions are today linked to the unarmed battalions, for they will win the peace: the justice of their demands, moreover, is now so clear and the normal strength of their struggle so indomitable that they can only temporarily be halted by force of arms. In awarding the Peace Prize to H.H. the Dalai Lama we affirm our unstinting support for his work for peace, and for the unarmed masses on the march in many lands for liberty, peace and human dignity.

Tenzin Gyatso#98

PeaceEnvironmentPoliticsResponsibilityHuman rightsNonviolenceInterdependence

About this quote

What does it mean?
The world is increasingly interconnected, so societies must share responsibility for political, economic, and ecological issues, and nonviolence is a realistic path to peace.
In plain terms
We all depend on each other, so we must act together and choose nonviolence.
What can you take from it?
Embrace mutual responsibility and nonviolent solutions.

Where it applies

  • international negotiations
  • environmental policy
  • social movements

Putting it to work

  • collaborative governance
  • peaceful protest
  • cross‑border initiatives

Questions to consider

  • How can societies balance national interests with global responsibility?
  • When is nonviolence truly realistic?

Another view

Nonviolence may be hard to sustain against aggressive opponents.

More from Tenzin Gyatso

  1. The Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence. He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon…

    Permalink to quote #97
  2. I don't think China will negotiate. I think they are waiting for the Dalai Lama to die... The Chinese government feels he symbolizes the entire independence mo…

    Permalink to quote #99
  3. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

    Permalink to quote #96

Related quotes

  1. The world has shrunk. Increasingly peoples and nations have grown dependent on one another. No one can any longer act entirely in his own interest. It is there…

    Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama) quote #98
  2. 'The world is the most dangerous place it's ever been now because of what our country has done, and is doing, and we have to take it back.'

    Ramsey ClarkRamsey Clark quote #2
  3. I can't on my own change the regime in South Africa or teach the Palestinians to learn to live with the Israelies, but I can start with me.

    River PhoenixRiver Phoenix quote #12