The United Nations stands for the freedom and equality of all peoples, irrespective of race, religion, or ideology.
Peace is no mere matter of men fighting or not fighting. Peace, to have meaning for many who have known only suffering in both peace and war, must be translated into bread or rice, shelter, health, and education, as well as freedom and human dignity - a steadily better life. If peace is to be secure, long-suffering and long-starved, forgotten peoples of the world, the underprivileged and the undernourished, must begin to realize without delay the promise of a new day and a new life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True peace encompasses more than the absence of conflict; it includes basic human needs and dignity.
In this quote, Ralph Bunche emphasizes that peace should not only be defined as the absence of war or conflict between men, but also as the fulfillment of essential human needs such as food, shelter, health, education, freedom, and dignity. He argues that for peace to be truly meaningful, it must address the challenges faced by the underprivileged and marginalized, ensuring a better life for all and recognizing that without addressing these basic needs, peace remains superficial and unattainable for those who suffer.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is powerful for discussing the need for social justice during a community meeting.
More from Ralph Bunche
All quotes →We can never have too much preparation and training. We must be a strong competitor. We must adhere staunchly to the basic principle that anything less than full equality is not enough. If we compromise on that principle our soul is dead.
You can surmount the obstacles in your path if you are determined, courageous and hard-working. Never be faint-hearted. Be resolute, but never bitter.
The well-being and the hopes of the peoples of the world can never be served until peace - as well as freedom, honor and self-respect - is secure.
If you want to get an idea across, wrap it up in a person.
There is no problem of human nature which is insoluble.
Similar quotes
Choose the human race over the nuclear race. Bury the weapons and don't burn the people.
It is true that large parts of the world have not had to endure state-to-state wars for decades. The majority of the world's nations have also been spared the scourge of civil wars, although many have known violence from revolutionary insurrection.
I enter negotiations with Chairman Arafat, the leader of the PLO, the representative of the Palestinian people, with the purpose to have coexistence between our two entities, Israel as a Jewish state and Palestinian state, entity, next to us, living in peace.
The leaders of the world face no greater task than that of avoiding nuclear war. While preserving the cause of freedom, we must seek abolition of war through programs of general and complete disarmament. The Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 represents a significant beginning in this immense undertaking.
After World War II, it seemed that humanity understood something, and nothing like that would happen again. _x000D_ _x000D_ Humanity has understood nothing. _x000D_ _x000D_ Religious, tribal, national wars continue. The world continues to be in a sea of blood. _x000D_ _x000D_ The world can be better if there's love, tolerance and humility.
I never again want to see the face of a starving child or hear the weeping of a mother who has lost her son to war. Peace, this is what my husband gave his life for, and I want the world to know that he did not die in vain. Peace, this is what will make me very happy.