Absolutes Quote by Wole Soyinka
“The arrogant elimination of the Djaouts of our world must nerve us to pursue our own combative doctrine, namely: that peaceful cohabitation on this planet demands that while the upholders of any creed are free to adopt their own existential absolutes, the right of others to do the same is thereby rendered implicit and sacrosanct. Thus the creed of inquiry, of knowledge and exchange of ideas, must be upheld as an absolute, as ancient and eternal as any other.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Lecture, 1986
Peace requires respecting all belief systems while protecting the right to free inquiry and exchange of ideas.
In simple terms: Respect all beliefs, uphold free inquiry.
Foster open dialogue.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- interfaith conferences
- academic forums
- policy debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect both belief and inquiry?
- What limits, if any, should be placed on expression?
Balancing belief freedom with societal cohesion is complex.