Future generations will judge us _x000D_ not by what we say, but what we do.
Ellen Johnson SirleafRead
My calling was first of all to ensure there was peace in the country, because we could easily have gone back to war. In the midst of the country, there were still warlords; there were many child soldiers who had never gone to school - they were part of the social setting - compromises had to be made.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of peace and the complexities involved in achieving it in a society affected by war.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reflects on her duty to foster peace in a nation on the brink of war, highlighting the challenges posed by existing warlords and uneducated child soldiers. She acknowledges the need for compromises to establish a stable and peaceful society amidst a backdrop of conflict.
In practice
During a peace conference, I shared a powerful quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to emphasize the importance of compromise in rebuilding nations after conflict.
Future generations will judge us _x000D_ not by what we say, but what we do.
In terms of being able to renew my nation, to be able to be able to bring back a devastated country, to restore hope to our people, to lift women and to give them a new horizon, a new ambition and new dreams, in respect of all of that, I think we've accomplished it, and I feel very good about that.
The people of Liberia know what it means to be deprived of clean water, but we also know what it means to see our children to begin to smile again with a restoration of hope and faith in the future.
I would like to make sure, first of all, that our women in the informal sector - I mean, these are the farmers and the traders; many of them are not educated, many of them lacking literacy - be able to give them better working conditions. And we've done a lot to be able to achieve that.
I work hard, I work late, I have nothing on my conscience. When I go to bed, I sleep.
As more men become more educated and women get educated, the value system has to be more enhanced and the respect for human dignity and human life is made better.
Peace does not appear so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay; and so come as to be worth the keeping in all future time.
The pacifist's task today is to find a method of helping and healing which provides a revolutionary constructive substitute for war.
The teachings of many faiths share much in common. And people of many faiths are united in our commitments to love our families, to protect our children, and to build a more peaceful world. In the coming year, let us resolve to seize opportunities to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. Through our combined efforts, we can end terrorism and rid our civilization of the damaging effects of hatred and intolerance, ultimately achieving a brighter future for all.
The pursuit of peace resembles the building of a great cathedral. It is the work of a generation. In concept it requires a mater-architect; in execution, the labors of many.
You can always make peace with an F-16 in your pocket.
I want peace. I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace.
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