Desire to win Quote by Dorothee Soelle
““Nonviolence means to forego the desire to win and to avoid the defeat of enemies, which always includes their humiliation. The issues of peace, justice, and - as must he added today - creation are always the enemies' issues as well; they, too, need air to breathe. Their issue is also ours. Every form of the spirit of hostility has to he rejected. (Martin Luther) King called white racists "our sick white brothers," which angered some of his comrades in the struggle.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Nonviolence, 2015
True nonviolence requires abandoning the desire to dominate and recognizing that others’ needs are our own, rejecting all hostility.
In simple terms: Nonviolence means letting go of winning and seeing others’ wellbeing as yours.
Key Takeaway
Embrace empathy and reject hostility.
Themes
peace
justice
nonviolence
empathy
humanity
Mood
hopeful
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
ethical
When to use this quote
- community building
- peace activism
- mediation
- social work
Key Concepts
interdependence
ethical responsibility
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you transform personal resentment into shared compassion?
- What structures prevent genuine empathy?
A Different Perspective
Nonviolence can be challenged by deep‑seated anger and systemic oppression.
