12 Quotes by Adolfo Perez Esquivel

Reflection is only a partial understanding of truth if it does not translate itself in practice into commitments to the common good and justice. Truth is not mere abstraction but something to be done and is only apprehended when this is realized.

We know we cannot plant seeds with closed fists. To sow, we must open our hands.

We cannot sow seeds with clenched fists. To sow we must open our hands.

... we believe in the vocation of communion and participation of our people, who day to day awaken to their political conscience and express their desire for change and profound democratization of society. A change based on justice, built with love, and which will bring us the most anxiously desired fruits of peace.

Nonviolence is absolute respect for each human being.

We must apply our humble efforts to the construction of a more just and humane world. And I want to declare emphatically: Such a world is possible. To create this new society, we must present outstretched and friendly hands, without hatred and rancor, even as we show great determination and never waver in the defense of truth and justice. Because we know that we cannot sow seeds with clenched fists. To sow we must open our hands.

We know that peace is only possible when it is the fruit of justice. True peace is a profound transformation by means of the force of nonviolence that is the power of love.

Don't stand back with your arms folded; step forward... There is hope and light to resist injustice and promote peace without violence.

There is such thing as a 'smart bomb' - bombs are smart these days, you know.