The war we have to wage today has only one goal, and that is to make the world safe for diversity.
U ThantRead
As we watch the sun go down, evening after evening, through the smog across the poisoned waters of our native earth, we must ask ourselves seriously whether we really wish some future universal historian on another planet to say about us: "With all their genius and with all their skill, they ran out of foresight and air and food and water and ideas," or, They went on playing politics until their world collapsed around them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote urges reflection on humanity's choices and their consequences for future generations.
U Thant's quote highlights the importance of foresight and responsible stewardship of the Earth. He prompts us to consider the legacy we leave behind, questioning whether future historians will note our abilities and intelligence or criticize our failure to prioritize the survival of our planet and its resources amidst political distractions.
Themes
ForesightEnvironmentLegacyPoliticsResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on climate change, you could use this quote to emphasize the importance of taking action now for future generations.
More from U Thant
All quotes →Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love andcompassion would have built the defenses of peace.
U ThantRead
Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.
U ThantRead
As a Buddhist, I was trained to be tolerant of everything except intolerance
U ThantRead
Similar quotes
Let every man of whatsoever craft or occupation he be of... serve his brethren.
William TyndaleRead
This is the fast lane, folks...and some of us like it here.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
Philosophers should consider the fact that the greatest happiness principle can easily be made an excuse for a benevolent dictatorship. We should replace it by a more modest and more realistic principle - the principle that the fight against avoidable misery should be a recognized aim of public policy, while the increase of happiness should be left, in the main, to private initiative.
Karl PopperRead
The psychic depths are nature, and nature is creative life.
Carl JungRead
Love of glory, fear of shame, greed for fortune, the desire to make life agreeable and comfortable, and the wish to depreciate others - all of these are often the causes of the bravery that is spoken so highly of by men.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
One of the major differences I see in the political climate today is that there is less collective support for coming to critical consciousness – in communities, in institutions, among friends.
Bell HooksRead