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Eduard Shevardnadze Quotes

Powerful Eduard Shevardnadze for Daily Growth

About Eduard Shevardnadze

Eduard Amvrosievich Shevardnadze (December 26, 1928 – March 7, 2014) was a prominent Georgian and Soviet politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 and the President of Georgia from 1995 to 2003. Born in the town of Mukhrani, Georgia (then part of the Soviet Union), Shevardnadze grew up in a family of high-ranking officials. He studied law at Tbilisi State University before joining the Communist Party in 1957. Shevardnadze's political career began at the local level, but he quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and diplomatic skills. In 1985, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, playing a pivotal role in implementing the policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). He played key roles in the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, the end of the Cold War, and the reunification of Germany. Shevardnadze's tenure as President of Georgia was marked by economic instability and political turmoil. Despite these challenges, he is credited with steering the country away from civil war during the Rose Revolution in 2003, which led to his resignation. In terms of major works, Shevardnadze's memoirs, "The Future Belongs to Freedom," provide insights into his life and political career. Known for his eloquence and charisma, he was a prominent voice in the post-Cold War world, advocating for democratic reforms and regional cooperation. His quotes reflect his belief in the power of dialogue, understanding, and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. For instance, "Diplomacy without force is similar to music without words – it's unthinkable." Despite controversies surrounding his presidency, Shevardnadze remains a significant figure in Georgian and Soviet history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The freedom of one nation cannot exist at the price of another's slavery."

Eduard Shevardnadze's quote underscores the idea that true freedom for one country or people cannot be achieved if it comes at the expense of enslavement or oppression of others. In other words, he suggests that genuine liberty, respect, and justice should be universal, not exclusive to a chosen few. This sentiment highlights the interconnectedness of nations and peoples worldwide and emphasizes the importance of global cooperation for mutual benefit rather than exploitation.

"It is better to be a living lion than a dead sheep."

This quote, attributed to Eduard Shevardnadze, emphasizes the importance of courage, determination, and individuality over conformity or complacency. Being a "living lion" symbolizes being bold, brave, and powerful, ready to face challenges head-on and make an impact in life. On the other hand, being a "dead sheep" represents timidity, passivity, and conformity that can lead to a dull and unfulfilling existence. The quote encourages us to strive for greatness, to be bold, and to embrace our inner strength rather than settling for a mediocre life.

"The era of great empires and imperial systems has passed for good."

This quote by Eduard Shevardnadze suggests that the age of large, powerful empires and political systems is over, implying a shift towards smaller, more independent entities or global interdependence in international relations. It reflects the idea that the geopolitical landscape of the world has changed permanently, moving away from traditional imperial structures towards a more complex and decentralized system of nations.

"We are all hostages, but we will not allow ourselves to become slaves."

Eduard Shevardnadze's quote signifies a strong resolve and determination in the face of adversity or oppression. He implies that while circumstances may have us as "hostages" (subjected to external control), we must not succumb and become "slaves" (completely submissive and powerless). Instead, he encourages resilience and defiance, suggesting that we should fight for our freedom and autonomy. This quote is a call to action, urging people to stand up against oppressive forces and assert their own agency.

"Peaceful change is the only answer in today's world."

Eduard Shevardnadze, in this quote, underscores the importance of non-violent transformation as a necessary response to contemporary global issues. He suggests that in our modern world, the use of force or conflict is not only ineffective but also detrimental, and instead, we should strive for peaceful change. This approach fosters unity, cooperation, and progress, making it crucial for resolving conflicts, promoting social justice, and ensuring sustainable development.

I'm sure that was the right step, even though, formally speaking, it may seem disadvantageous for a president to resign. But, looking into what is happening today and what is going to happen in the future, I think history will show I made the right decision.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Show, Seem, I Think, Though

I think my resignation was the only way to avoid bloodshed.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Think, Only, I Think, Resignation

But on second thought, after I decreed the state of emergency, I came to the conclusion that that was impossible to achieve without bloodshed because the street protesters were full of anger and nearly out of control. This is why I thought we needed to find another way out.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Thought, Achieve, Needed, Another Way

It is absolutely impossible to settle the debts to pensioners, teachers, and others. The country hasn't got enough money to do so.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Impossible, Settle, Country, Enough Money

Zhvania was the general secretary of the organisation which I founded, the Citizens' Union. It was the biggest organisation and came first in all elections, and Zhvania was the leader.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Leader, Which, Founded, Organisation

I believe that with the help of foreign countries - and under that condition only, because they have no other source of financing - the new government may temporarily extricate Georgia from the current situation.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Other, Foreign Countries, Financing

The external world is committed to helping Georgia settle its problems.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

World, Georgia, Committed, External

Prospects of normalizing our relations with Russia look good.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Prospects, Russia, Our, Relations

You know, to address crowds and make promises does not require very much brains.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Brains, Very, Address, Promises

I don't plan to return. I have a lot of unresolved things to do.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Plan, Things, Lot, Unresolved

But the Americans have no extra money. They have their own problems. They can provide financial assistance for two, three, four, or six months at most.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Financial, Six, Months, Extra

Corruption has its own motivations, and one has to thoroughly study that phenomenon and eliminate the foundations that allow corruption to exist.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Study, Exist, Allow, Motivations

But eradicating corruption is not enough to sustain a country.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Enough, Corruption, Country, Sustain

They're making a song and dance because that serves their immediate interests. But what will happen tomorrow? They will have to pay salaries and pensions.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Song, Happen, Making, Pensions

We also have a real opportunity to join NATO.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Opportunity, Real, Also, NATO

True, other countries are helping us. Germany is determined to provide substantial help. So are the Netherlands and other states. But a day will come when we have to count on our own resources.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Will, Other, Helping, Substantial

Germany is determined to provide substantial help. So are the Netherlands and other states. But a day will come when we have to count on our own resources.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Will, Other, Germany, Substantial

Now, the entire world community recognizes Georgia. We are members of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Everything is being prepared so that we will soon enter the European Union.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

United, United Nations, European Union

When I came back to power, Georgia was completely isolated on the international stage.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Stage, Isolated, Came, Georgia

Even the pyramids might one day disappear, but not the Palestinians longing for their homeland.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Might, Homeland, Even, Longing

You know in the West they support realistic forces.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Know, West, Forces, Realistic

I believe politicians should always remain realistic.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Always, Should, Remain, Realistic

But we cannot rely on foreign help indefinitely.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Help, Rely, We Cannot, Indefinitely

No Georgian has the right to evade or neglect his duties and responsibilities.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Right, His, Georgian, Responsibilities

I couldn't stand the idea of bloodshed, casualties.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Stand, Idea, Casualties, Bloodshed

I am not responsible for the actions of Saakashvili and even for those of Gamsakhurdia.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

I Am, Even, Am, Responsible

I was a member of the Politburo for seven years, a foreign minister.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Seven, Years, Minister, Member

As for myself, I was never against Russia.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Myself, Never, Against, Russia

To sum up, what has been our policy? We looked for and found friends all throughout the world.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

World, Been, Found, Sum

I don't want to go down in history as a man who allowed blood to be shed.

- Eduard Shevardnadze

Want, Shed, Allowed, Blood

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