23 Quotes by Gustav Heinemann

Wer mit dem Zeigefinger voller Vorwürfe auf andere zeigt, sollte daran denken, dass in der Hand mit dem ausgestreckten Zeigefinger zugleich drei andere Finger auf ihn selbst zurückweisen.

Trust cannot be commanded; and yet it is also correct that the only one who earns trust is the one who is prepared to grant trust.

Insecurity and resignation mingle with the hope for a better order.

Therefore it does not help to sneer at the imperfection of today's reality or to preach absolutes as a daily agenda.

The secret of big and revolutionary actions also consists in discovering the tiny step that is simultaneously a strategic step, insofar as it entails additional steps in the direction of a better reality.

Everywhere, authority and tradition have to justify themselves in the face of questions.

Some fatherlands are difficult. Germany is one of them. But it is our fatherland. Here is where we live and work.

Liberal democracy must finally become the vital element of our society.

I appeal to the responsibility of the blocs and the major powers, not to seek security in the arms race, but rather in a meeting for joint disarmament and arms limitations.