Haile Selassie

Ethiopian Emperor

Modern influential 126 sayings

Sayings by Haile Selassie

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.

1936 — Speech to the League of Nations
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Today it is us. Tomorrow it will be you.

1936 — Speech to the League of Nations, warning against inaction regarding Italy's invasion of Ethiopia
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Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned - Everywhere is war - Me say war.

1963 — Speech to the United Nations, often misattributed to a specific date but themes are consistent with …
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That until there are no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation, until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes. And until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race - Dis a war.

1963 — Speech to the United Nations, part of the 'War' speech, popularized by Bob Marley
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We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook. We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community.

1963 — Speech at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founding conference
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A house built on granite and strong foundations, not even the onslaught of constant gales can demolish. Such a house is our united continent of Africa.

1963 — Speech at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founding conference
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We have finished the period of struggle. We have passed through the period of preparation. Now we must begin to implement.

1963 — Speech at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founding conference
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Ignorance is the greatest enemy of progress.

Various — General statement, repeated in various addresses
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Man is a creature of God, and all men are equal in the sight of God.

Various — General statement, reflecting his religious beliefs and anti-racism stance
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As long as there is an Empire, there will be no peace.

N/A — This is a misattribution or misinterpretation. Selassie was an Emperor himself. The quote 'Until the…
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Conquering an enemy is not enough; one must also win his friendship.

Various — General wisdom, often attributed to him.
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A man who is not a master of his own home is not a man.

Uncertain — Reported personal philosophy, reflecting traditional views on family and leadership.
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We have to live with the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be.

Uncertain — Reported pragmatic view, possibly in private conversation or address regarding international relatio…
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The preservation of freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be engaged in the struggle.

Various — General statement, likely in a speech about national defense or independence.
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There is no more dangerous illusion than the belief that one can escape the consequences of one's actions.

Various — General wisdom, often attributed to him.
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Leadership is a spiritual quality, born of the soul and of the mind. It is a gift of God, and it is given to those who are worthy.

Uncertain — Reported personal philosophy on leadership and divine right.
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The true leader is one who has a clear vision, a strong will, and an unshakeable faith in his people.

Uncertain — Reported personal philosophy on leadership.
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Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.

Various — General statement, emphasized in his push for education in Ethiopia.
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We must look to the future with hope, not with fear.

Various — General statement, often used in public addresses.
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Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.

Various — General statement, often attributed to him.
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