U Thant Quotes

Thant known honorifically as U Thant (), was a Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, the first non-Scandinavian to hold the position. He held the office for a record 10 years and one month (3,683 days) (taking into account a one-month vacancy in November–December 1966).A native of Pantanaw, Thant was educated at the National High School and at Rangoon University. ...more

Birth: January 22, 1909 - Death: November 25, 1974

Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.

To understand my feelings — and my conception of the role of Secretary General — the nature of my religious and cultural background must first be understood. I should therefore like to outline not only my beliefs but also my conception of human institutions and of the human situation itself.

Topic(s): Firsts , Feelings , Religious

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights – This great and inspiring instrument was born of an increased sense of responsibility by the international community for the promotion and protection of man’s basic rights and freedoms. The world has come to a clear realization of the fact that freedom, justice and world peace can only be assured through the international promotion and protection of these rights and freedoms.

Topic(s): World , Community , Justice

Respect for the truth comes close to being the basis for all morality.

Topic(s): Truth , Morality , Bases

Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love andcompassion would have built the defenses of peace.

Topic(s): Men , Mind , Life

World federalists hold before us the vision of a unified mankind living in peace under a just world order… The heart of their program-a world under law- is realistic and attainable.

Topic(s): World , Heart , Vision

The law of love and compassion for all living creatures is again a doctrine to which we are all too ready to pay slip service. However, if it is to become a reality, it requires a process of education, a veritable mental renaissance. Once it has become a reality, national as well as international problems will fall into perspectives and become easier to solve. Wars and conflicts, too, will then become a thing of the past, because wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds love and compassion would have built the defenses of peace.

Topic(s): Men , War , Reality

The world will not Change and find peace if there is not a new education.

Topic(s): Ifs , World , Finding Peace

Governments, systems, ideologies come and go, but it is humanity which remains.

Topic(s): Government , Humanity , Remains

I don’t like to be disturbed at home; I tell the cable office not to call me before 6:30 AM, unless there’s a war.

Topic(s): War , Home , Office

The concept of peaceful coexistence has been criticized by many who do not see the need to make the world safe for diversity. I wonder if they have ever paused to ask themselves the question: What is the alternative to coexistence?

Topic(s): World , Needs , Wonder

The war we have to wage today has only one goal, and that is to make the world safe for diversity.

Topic(s): World , War , Today