This statement emphasizes that empathy and caring for others are not optional extras, but essential for our collective survival. It suggests that a society lacking these qualities will inevitably face collapse, urging us to cultivate compassion as a core human value for a stable future.
Quote by Dalai Lama (14th): “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.
Insight
Historical Context
From 'Ethics for the New Millennium,' this quote was shared as the world grappled with conflicts and rapid technological advancements, with the Dalai Lama emphasizing universal ethics as foundational for peace and societal cohesion.
About the Author
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the highest spiritual leader and former head of state of Tibet. He is a globally recognized advocate for peace, nonviolence, interreligious dialogue, and Tibetan autonomy. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
View all quotes by Dalai Lama (14th)