Quotes from Gustav Heinemann

Liberal democracy must finally become the vital element of our society.

Beyond peace, there is no longer any existence possible.

War is not the quintessential emergency in which man has to prove himself, as my generation learned at its school desks in the days of the Kaiser; rather, peace is the emergency in which we all have to prove ourselves.

The first thing I see is the obligation to serve peace.

In this life of ours we remain directed toward the relative utopia of a better world, and sensibly this can be the only model for our action.

I appeal to the responsibility of the blocs and the major powers, not to seek security in the arms race, but rather in a meeting for joint disarmament and arms limitations.

The time has come - and must come - for multilateral conversations about a secure peace in all of Europe.

The secret of big and revolutionary actions also consists in discovering the tiny step that is simultaneously a strategic step, insofar as it entails additional steps in the direction of a better reality.

Therefore it does not help to sneer at the imperfection of today's reality or to preach absolutes as a daily agenda.

Insecurity and resignation mingle with the hope for a better order.

Everywhere, authority and tradition have to justify themselves in the face of questions.

Ladies and gentlemen, on the occasion of my election I received many letters from people representing all segments of the population and all professions, especially from the younger generation, linking my inauguration with great - far too great - expectations.

Not less, but more democracy - that is the demand, that is the great goal that we have to prescribe for ourselves, and especially for our youth.

Disarmament requires trust.

Trust cannot be commanded; and yet it is also correct that the only one who earns trust is the one who is prepared to grant trust.

One of our most noble political tasks is to open up trust.

The time has come - and must come - for multilateral conversations about a secure peace in all of Europe.

Trust cannot be commanded and yet it is also correct that the only one who earns trust is the one who is prepared to grant trust.

The first thing I see is the obligation to serve peace.

Disarmament requires trust.

War is not the quintessential emergency in which man has to prove himself, as my generation learned at its school desks in the days of the Kaiser rather, peace is the emergency in which we all have to prove ourselves.

Beyond peace, there is no longer any existence possible.

One of our most noble political tasks is to open up trust.

Some fatherlands are difficult. Germany is one of them. But it is our fatherland. Here is where we live and work.