Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defenses of peace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote states war originates in human thought, suggesting compassion could build peace instead.
- In plain terms
- Wars start in minds, but love could protect peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Peace requires mental and emotional effort.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do thoughts lead to war?
- Can love prevent violence?
Another view
It idealizes human capacity for change without addressing power dynamics.
More from U Thant
The war we have to wage today has only one goal and that is to make the world safe for diversity.
Permalink to quote #2 As a Buddhist, I was trained to be tolerant of everything except intolerance
Permalink to quote #4 Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less.
Eldridge CleaverEldridge Cleaver quote #2 Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me. There are people dying...If you care enough for the living, make a better place for you and for me.…
Michael JacksonMichael Jackson quote #3 They have all been very kind to me here. But this I would say, standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must ha…
Edith CavellEdith Cavell quote #3