Bertha von Suttner, 1905 Quotes

A collection of quotes by Bertha von Suttner, 1905.

Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914) was an Austrian pacifist and novelist, best known for her influential novel "Lay Down Your Arms." Born in Prague to a well-to-do family, she became a governess and later a correspondent and editor. Inspired by Alfred Nobel's establishment of the Nobel Peace Prize, she tirelessly advocated for peace, disarmament, and arbitration. Von Suttner's activism made her one of the leading figures of the international peace movement, eventually leading to her becoming the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Her dedication to peace earned her the nickname "the generalissimo of the peace movement."

The adherents of the old order have a powerful ally in the natural law of inertia inherent in humanity which is, as it were, a natural defense against change. Thus pacifism faces no easy struggle. The question of whether violence or law shall prevail between states is the most vital of the problems of our eventful era, and the most serious in its repercussions. The beneficial results of a secure world peace are almost inconceivable, but even more inconceivable are the consequences of the threatening world war which many misguided people are prepared to precipitate. The advocates of pacifism are well aware how meager are their resources of personal influence and power. They know that they are still few in number and weak in authority, but when they realistically consider themselves and the ideal they serve, they see themselves as the servants of the greatest of all causes.

Bertha von Suttner, 1905

Pacifism