Quotes & Wisdom

Words that planted seeds of change around the world

"It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees."
On individual action
"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope."
Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2004
"In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now."
Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2004
"We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own."
Replenishing the Earth, 2010
"Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking."
On taking concrete action
"I will not keep quiet! When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope."
During political protests
"There can be no peace without equitable development; and there can be no development without sustainable management of the environment."
Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2004
"Human rights are not things that are put on the table for people to enjoy. These are things you fight for and then you protect."
On activism and democracy
"No matter who or where we are, or what our capabilities, we are called to do the best we can."
On empowerment
"Women are the primary caretakers of the world's soil, water, and air. We are uniquely positioned to protect and preserve our planet."
On women and the environment
"Never be quiet. Make noise. Make a lot of noise. That's how change happens."
On activism
"We cannot tire or give up. We owe it to the present and future generations of all species to rise up and walk!"
On perseverance
"The generation that destroys the environment is not the generation that pays the price. That is the problem."
On intergenerational responsibility
"Every person who has ever achieved anything has been knocked down many times. But all of them picked themselves up and kept going."
On resilience
"If we went to the moon, we can make the earth a paradise."
On human potential
"We need to promote development that does not destroy our environment."
On sustainable development
"You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own."
On community empowerment
"Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking, so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system."
Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2004