Stephane Hessel quotes

Stéphane Hessel was a French diplomat, writer, and human rights advocate who played a significant role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. His activism inspired social movements and promoted civic engagement, especially among younger generations. He became widely known for his pamphlet "Time for Outrage!" which called for resistance against injustice. Here are 17 of his quotes:

My mother once said to me, 'You must promise to be happy; it is the greatest favour you can do to others'. It has guided me throughout my life.

Stephane Hessel

I was a young boy when I met the Surrealists and the Dadaists. I admired them, and that is what they taught me: to admire. Admiration is very important. People who are unable to admire others lose an important part of their soul. My soul developed from a very early age through encounters with admired people.

Stephane Hessel

As long as Palestinian violence exists, but not a Palestinian state, Israel is in danger, because it cannot obtain assistance from the international community against an entity that is not subordinate to international law.

Stephane Hessel

From 1967, all the Israeli governments continued making two big mistakes: occupation and settlement in the territories.

Stephane Hessel

To create is to resist; to resist is to create.

Stephane Hessel

I wish for you all, each of you, to have your own motive for indignation. This is precious. When something outrages you as I was outraged by Nazism, then people become militant, strong, and involved.

Stephane Hessel

The wealthy have installed their slaves in the highest spheres of the state. The banks are privately owned. They are concerned solely with profits. They have no interest in the common good.

Stephane Hessel

Let us not be defeated by the tyranny of the world financial markets that threaten peace and democracy everywhere.

Stephane Hessel

I've been tremendously lucky. I went through things that turned out wrong, and I got myself out of them.

Stephane Hessel

I feel that I am completely in solidarity with Jews in the world, because I know what it is to be a Jew. I've seen what it is; I am myself of Jewish origin, and therefore I can only be fully in support of the idea that the Jews, after all they've suffered, need a country where they are at home.

Stephane Hessel

I always say that when a country wins with such overwhelming might, it's bad news for that country.

Stephane Hessel

Death is something to savour, and I hope to savour mine.

Stephane Hessel

I never felt like a good Jew. My mother was not Jewish, and that makes me a non-Jew according to Jewish religious law.

Stephane Hessel

For me, true and authentic democracy occurs when the privileged groups assist the unprivileged groups to become more privileged.

Stephane Hessel

History can bring luck: this is what we can call optimism.

Stephane Hessel