Quotes to Inspire
Select a few quotations about peace. Invite group members to read the following quotations carefully and choose one quote that inspires them. Invite people who choose the same quotation to form small groups (of three or four). Direct small groups to share the meaning that this quote holds for them in their lives. How do they experience the truth of this quote in their lives? What further questions does this quote elicit?
These are sample quotes to use. Feel free to supply quotes about peace in your language that would be meaningful to your group.
Quote 1
"Let us examine our attitude toward peace itself. Too many of us think it is impossible. Too many think it unreal. But that is a dangerous, defeatist belief. It leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable... that mankind is doomed... that we are gripped by forces we cannot control. We need not accept that view. Our problems are manmade... therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man's reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable... and we believe they can do it again."
- President Kennedy’s commencement address at American University, June 10, 1963
Quote 2
The general purpose of peace education, as I understand it, is to promote the development of authentic planetary consciousness that will enable us to function as global citizens and to transform the present human condition by changing social structures and the patterns of thought that have created it. This transformational imperative must...be at the center of peace education.
- Betty Reardon
Quote 3
I am one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
- Helen Keller
Quote 4
Never give up.
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart.
Too much energy in your country
is spent developing the mind
instead of the heart. Be compassionate
and I say again
Never give up
Never give up
No matter what is happening
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up.
- H.H. Dalai Lama, Spiritual Leader
About this series:
Each year, hundreds of URI Cooperation Circles participate in the International Day of Peace (IDP). As a global community, we put organized global spirit and energy into action! Here are some beloved ideas and inspirations for peacebuilding. You can expect two issues of this series each week until September 21. Hope you love them too and find them useful!
See more posts in this series for more ideas about how to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
May Peace Prevail,
Sally