Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, born November 26, 1931, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is an Argentine human rights activist, artist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1980) recognized for his nonviolent advocacy against Latin America’s military dictatorships. A sculptor, painter, and founder of Servicio Paz y Justicia (SERPAJ) in 1974, he used art and activism to champion social justice and peace. His work exposed atrocities during Argentina’s Dirty War and supported marginalized communities. These 15 quotes—sourced from speeches, interviews, writings, and posts—reflect his commitment to nonviolence, justice, and human dignity, capturing his compassionate and resolute spirit.
15 Adolfo Pérez Esquivel Quotes
- “We know we cannot plant seeds with closed fists. To sow, we must open our hands.” (Christ in a Poncho, 1983)
- “Peace is not just the end of war, it is the culture of justice and solidarity.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “True peace is not just the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “Reflection is only a partial understanding of truth if it does not translate itself in practice into commitments to the common good and justice.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “We know that peace is only possible when it is the fruit of justice. True peace is a profound transformation by means of the force of nonviolence that is the power of love.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “For me, it is essential to have the inner peace and serenity of prayer in order to listen to the silence of God, which speaks to us, in our personal life and the history of our times, of the power of love.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Don’t stand back with your arms folded; step forward… There is hope and light to resist injustice and promote peace without violence.” (Interview, AlwaysQuotes.com, n.d.)
- “Nonviolence is absolute respect for each human being.” (Christ in a Poncho, 1983)
- “We must apply our humble efforts to the construction of a more just and humane world. And I want to declare emphatically: Such a world is possible.” (Christ in a Poncho, 1983)
- “The struggle for peace is intertwined with the struggle for justice.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “No hay libertad verdadera sin justicia social.” [There is no true freedom without social justice.] (Bookey, 2023)
- “La lucha por los derechos humanos es una lucha sin fronteras.” [The struggle for human rights is a struggle without borders.] (Bookey, 2023)
- “El arte es una herramienta poderosa para promover el cambio social.” [Art is a powerful tool for promoting social change.] (Bookey, 2023)
- “La no violencia activa es el camino hacia la transformación de conflictos.” [Active nonviolence is the path to transforming conflicts.] (Bookey, 2023)
- “Every person has the capacity to make a difference in the world.” (Bookey, 2023)
Adolfo Pérez Esquivel’s quotes are a profound blend of hope, nonviolent resistance, and a call for justice, inspiring you to act with compassion and courage for a better world. Which quote moves you to make a difference? Share it below and keep Adolfo’s transformative legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
