--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Universal responsibility is the key to…" description: "\"Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.\" — Dalai Lama" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg" --- # Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It… ![“Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg) > “Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.” [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human survival depends on recognizing our shared duty to protect each other and the planet, fostering peace through collective responsibility. **In simple terms:** We must care for each other to survive and keep peace. Key Takeaway Act responsibly for all. Themes ethics environment peace Mood hopeful serious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - climate action - humanitarian work - policy making - education - community building Key Concepts interdependence global stewardship Questions to Reflect On - How can we motivate individuals to prioritize collective welfare? - What structures support shared responsibility? A Different Perspective Responsibility alone may not overcome entrenched selfish interests. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [Survival](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/survival/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) [World peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world-peace/) ## Related quotes > [I believe that to meet the challenge of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. We must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-believe-that-to-meet-the-challenge-of-our-times-human-beings-will/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Each of us must learn to work not just for one self, one's own family or one's nation, but for the benefit of all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/each-of-us-must-learn-to-work-not-just-for-one-self-one-s-own-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Ultimately, the decision to save the environment must come from the human heart. The key point is a call for a genuine sense of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/ultimately-the-decision-to-save-the-environment-must-come-from-the/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we talk about global crisis, or a crisis of humanity, we cannot blame a few politicians, a few fanatics, or a few troublemakers.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-talk-about-global-crisis-or-a-crisis-of-humanity-we-cannot/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Whether it is under the guise of survival and self-defence or directly expressed through dominion and greed, the failure to recognize the common humanity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/whether-it-is-under-the-guise-of-survival-and-self-defence-or/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/today-more-than-ever-before-life-must-be-characterized-by-a-sense-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The problems we face today, violent conflicts, destruction of nature, poverty, hunger and so on, are human-created problems which can be resolved through human…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-problems-we-face-today-violent-conflicts-destruction-of-nature/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Each individual has a universal responsibility to shape institutions to serve human needs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/each-individual-has-a-universal-responsibility-to-shape-institutions/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-convinced-that-everyone-can-develop-a-good-heart-and-a-sense-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If you contribute to other peoples happiness, you will find the true meaning of life. The key point is to have a genuine sense…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-you-contribute-to-other-peoples-happiness-you-will-find-the-true/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The rationale for universal compassion is based on the same principle of spiritual democracy. It is the recognition of the fact that every living…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-rationale-for-universal-compassion-is-based-on-the-same-principle/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We must cultivate a universal responsibility toward each other and extend it to the planet that we have to share](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-must-cultivate-a-universal-responsibility-toward-each-other-and/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Many problems that confront us today are created by man, whether they are violent conflicts, destruction of the environment, poverty or hunger. These problems…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/many-problems-that-confront-us-today-are-created-by-man-whether-they/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I truly believe that compassion provides the basis of human survival.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-truly-believe-that-compassion-provides-the-basis-of-human-survival/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Compassion is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace, mental stability and for human survival.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/compassion-is-not-luxury-it-is-essential-for-our-own-peace-mental/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More by Dalai Lama > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-interests-of-everyone-the-artist-had-a-responsibility-to-use/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If the mind is dominated by hatred, the best part of the brain, which is used to judge right and wrong, does not function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-the-mind-is-dominated-by-hatred-the-best-part-of-the-brain-which/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/more-compassionate-mind-more-sense-of-concern-for-other-s-well-being/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/everybody-loves-to-talk-about-calmness-and-peace-whether-in-a-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The only "definitive truth" for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-only-definitive-truth-for-buddhism-is-the-absolute-negation-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-can-change-society-change-humanity-by-changing-ourselves-as/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-want-to-convert-people-to-buddhism-all-major-religions-when/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There is no way to escape death, it is just like trying to escape by four great mountains touching sky. There is no escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-no-way-to-escape-death-it-is-just-like-trying-to-escape-by/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We live within the environment. So that directly relates with our survival, our life. So through that way, more concern of well being of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-live-within-the-environment-so-that-directly-relates-with-our/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/my-belief-is-that-the-various-religious-traditions-have-great/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-think-carefully-we-see-that-the-brief-elation-we-experience/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/so-let-us-reflect-on-what-is-truly-of-value-in-life-what-gives/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am the source of my own suffering, because of the habits of my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-the-source-of-my-own-suffering-because-of-the-habits-of-my-mind/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More Foundation quotes > [Love is the foundation from which your decisions about your life should be made.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/love-is-the-foundation-from-which-your-decisions-about-your-life/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You can't have the fruits without the roots. It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victories proceed Public Victories. Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-can-t-have-the-fruits-without-the-roots-it-s-the-principle-of/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [We have a fear of facing ourselves. That is the obstacle. Experiencing the innermost core of our existence is very embarrassing to a lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chogyam-trungpa/we-have-a-fear-of-facing-ourselves-that-is-the-obstacle-experiencing/) [Chogyam Trungpa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chogyam-trungpa/) > [A face is too slight a foundation for happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-wortley-montagu/a-face-is-too-slight-a-foundation-for-happiness/) [Mary Wortley Montagu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-wortley-montagu/) > [In comparative terms, there's no poverty in America by a long shot. Heritage Foundation political scientist Robert Rector has worked up figures showing that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-j-o-rourke/in-comparative-terms-there-s-no-poverty-in-america-by-a-long-shot/) [P. J. O'Rourke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-j-o-rourke/) > [Trust is the foundation of real teamwork (there is nothing touchy-feely about this).](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-lencioni/trust-is-the-foundation-of-real-teamwork-there-is-nothing-touchy/) [Patrick Lencioni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-lencioni/) > [A loving family provides the foundation children need to succeed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-bunning/a-loving-family-provides-the-foundation-children-need-to-succeed/) [Jim Bunning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-bunning/) > [Everyone who makes music is a good collaborator at their foundation because in order to make music, you have to connect to it in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-z/everyone-who-makes-music-is-a-good-collaborator-at-their-foundation/) [Jay-Z](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-z/) > [The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but because they are laws; 'tis the mystic foundation of their authority; they have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/the-laws-keep-up-their-credit-not-by-being-just-but-because-they-are/) [Michel de Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [I was raised playing music in coffeehouses and I feel that was the foundation for my career. I think it is important that we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-mraz/i-was-raised-playing-music-in-coffeehouses-and-i-feel-that-was-the/) [Jason Mraz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-mraz/) > [The foundation of the Christian's peace is everlasting; it is what no time, no change can destroy. It will remain when the body dies;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-edwards/the-foundation-of-the-christian-s-peace-is-everlasting-it-is-what-no/) [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) > [Butter, cream, and bacon. That's such a great foundation right there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ree-drummond/butter-cream-and-bacon-that-s-such-a-great-foundation-right-there/) [Ree Drummond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ree-drummond/) > [God established the family as the foundation of civilization.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-evans/god-established-the-family-as-the-foundation-of-civilization/) [Tony Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-evans/) > [To succeed, you will soon learn, as I did, the importance of a solid foundation in the basics of education - literacy, both verbal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-greenspan/to-succeed-you-will-soon-learn-as-i-did-the-importance-of-a-solid/) [Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-greenspan/) > [Coral reefs represent some of the worlds most spectacular beauty spots, but they are also the foundation of marine life: without them many of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheherazade-goldsmith/coral-reefs-represent-some-of-the-worlds-most-spectacular-beauty/) [Sheherazade Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheherazade-goldsmith/) Browse all 3,310 Foundation quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dalai Lama" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-human-survival-it-is-the-best/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Foundation" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-human-survival-it-is-the-best/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/dalai-lama-89_foundation_universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-h_2342394.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.” — Dalai Lama", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dalai Lama", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Universal responsibility is the key to...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-human-survival-it-is-the-best/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/universal-responsibility-is-the-key-to-human-survival-it-is-the-best/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```