Carlos Saavedra Lamas Quotes

Powerful Carlos Saavedra Lamas for Daily Growth

About Carlos Saavedra Lamas

Carlos Saavedra Lamas (1878-1959) was an Argentine diplomat, jurist, and peace activist, who earned international acclaim for his contributions to the field of international law and conflict resolution. Born on November 25, 1878, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saavedra Lamas was raised in a distinguished family with a strong tradition of public service. His academic pursuits led him to study law at the University of Buenos Aires, where he graduated in 1900. His interest in international law and diplomacy piqued during his time as a student, leading him to further his studies at Cambridge University, the Sorbonne, and Halle University. Saavedra Lamas began his professional career as an Argentine diplomat, serving in various roles throughout South America, Europe, and Asia. In 1936, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in Argentina's interim government. However, it was his work outside the political sphere that truly cemented his legacy. In 1928, Saavedra Lamas proposed the 'Pact of Peace' at the Assembly of the League of Nations (predecessor to the United Nations). This pact aimed to settle international disputes through negotiation and arbitration instead of force, making it a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of international law. His efforts culminated in him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936, making him the first Latin American recipient of this prestigious award. Saavedra Lamas continued to work tirelessly for peace and justice throughout his life, serving as a member of various international peace commissions and working closely with figures such as Albert Einstein and Jane Addams. He passed away on March 18, 1959, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the fields of diplomacy, law, and peace activism.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Peace is a lion cub held in the arms of its mother."

This quote by Carlos Saavedra Lamas emphasizes that peace, like a young lion cub, is fragile and vulnerable, requiring constant care and protection. Just as a mother nurtures and safeguards her cub from harm, nations must also care for and protect peace to ensure its survival against the threats of conflict and violence. In this analogy, mothers represent those who uphold peace, while lion cubs symbolize the fragile state of peace itself. The quote encourages us to value and cherish peace, treating it with the same tender love and diligence that a mother gives her young.


"War is not an attribute of strength, but an evidence of failure."

This quote emphasizes that resorting to war signifies a lack of ability or strategy in resolving conflicts peacefully. In other words, war is not a symbol of power, but rather a reflection of weakness – the inability or unwillingness to negotiate, compromise, or find a diplomatic solution. The implication is that true strength lies in peaceful conflict resolution and problem-solving through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.


"The time will come when men of goodwill will say 'No' to old patterns of conflict and 'Yes' to the promise of a world where every nation can live free from fear."

This quote emphasizes the vision of a future where instead of perpetuating old, destructive patterns of conflict, people of goodwill strive for unity and cooperation. The author suggests that as we progress, nations will no longer be plagued by the fear of conflict and instead embrace a world where every nation can live peacefully and independently. This hopeful sentiment underscores the importance of diplomacy, understanding, and mutual respect in our global community.


"Peace is always a battle; not war, but peace."

This quote emphasizes that maintaining peace requires constant effort and negotiation, much like waging a war. Unlike the overt conflict of war, the "battle" for peace takes place through diplomacy, compromise, and understanding. It suggests that peace is an ongoing process rather than a static state, and it must be continuously defended and nurtured.


"Let us remember that peace does not consist in an absence of war, but in the realization and practice of justice among men."

This quote suggests that true peace is achieved not merely by the absence of conflict, but by ensuring fairness and justice for all individuals. It implies that lasting peace requires more than just cessation of violence; it necessitates addressing underlying issues like social inequality, injustice, and discrimination. By promoting justice and equity among people, we are creating an environment where conflicts can be resolved peacefully and cooperation is fostered, thus realizing the ideal of a peaceful society.


Unemployment is a great tragedy. The man who goes about hopelessly seeking work in order to earn bread for his children is a living reproach to civilization.

- Carlos Saavedra Lamas

Bread, Living, Civilization, Reproach

War implies a lack of comprehension of mutual national interests; it means the undermining and even the end of culture.

- Carlos Saavedra Lamas

War, Undermining, Means, National Interests

War of aggression, war which does not imply defense of one's country, is a collective crime.

- Carlos Saavedra Lamas

Country, Which, Imply, Aggression

America is the world of peace and must be made the continent of its definite consequence.

- Carlos Saavedra Lamas

World, Consequence, Definite, Continent

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