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Quote by Oscar Arias

“I would like to see the U.S. fighting another war, perhaps in addition to that against terror: a war on poverty, illiteracy, disease and environmental degradation. It is certainly within the power of your country to act on all of these fronts, but, unfortunately, your leaders have become obsessed with a single issue.”

Author

Oscar Arias

Oscar Arias is a former President of Costa Rica, born on September 13, 1940. He served as the President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace in Central America. more

“For ages the world has been living by the stupidity of an old Roman adage that says if you want peace, prepare for war. As if anything said in ancient times must be wise, people have used this phrase to justify some of the most unjustifiable arms build-ups, which, far from creating peace, has only become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

People World War Age Wise Ancient Stupidity Justify Prophecy Being Wise Wise People

Author:Oscar Arias

“The best way to perpetuate poverty is spending on arms, and poverty itself is a form of violence. The wealthy industrialized countries have been too slow to recognize this. I hope that in this new century and new millennium, the world will learn that if you want peace, you must prepare for peace, plan for peace, work for it, and comply with its dictates. Lasting peace will never be achieved with the instruments of war.”

World War Country Poverty Violence Wealthy

Author:Oscar Arias

“I have to believe in the possibility of peace, because the alternative is to accept the inevitability of continual war, and of always living in fear. It doesn't have to be that way. However, there are no simple solutions, and I am not the possessor of a magic formula for peace. All I can say is that for peace to succeed it requires perseverance, patience, humility, compromise, and commitment, from all parties.”

Believe War Simple Party Accepting Magic Possibility Humility Succeed Solutions Commitment Perseverance Compromise Inevitability

Author:Oscar Arias

“Few expected very much of Franklin Roosevelt on Inauguration Day in 1933. Like Barack Obama seventy-six years later, he was succeeding a failed Republican president, and Americans had voted for change. What that change might be Roosevelt never clearly said, probably because he himself didn't know.”

Knows Years Said Might President Republican Succeed Six Expected Barack Seventies Franklin Inauguration

Author:Russell Baker