Quotes from Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

No one can reap the fruit before planting the trees.

Since 1990, we have been building up the idea that democracy is the best way for sectors that feel socially excluded from politics to win power.

I don't need arms, and neither does anyone else... At the very least, a ban would prevent fights from turning deadly.

A war can perhaps be won single-handedly. But peace - lasting peace - cannot be secured without the support of all.

The true path to peace is shared development. If we do not want war to go global, justice must go global

We've advanced in the construction of a true free-trade area across South America... What's needed now is less rhetoric and more action.

I have known Evo Morales for many years, since the days of the union movement. From a historical and sociological standpoint, the election of Evo Morales is extraordinary, with great prospects and potential for the Bolivian people.

They were two and a half decades in which Brazil had no capacity to invest in infrastructure. Just to give you an idea, in 1989, we had in Brazil about 50,000 project-engineering businesses. When I took office, there were just 8,000. Universities were no longer turning out engineers.

I have stated publicly, I want the same things for Iran that I want for Brazil. I want them to use and develop their nuclear energy for peaceful means.

In Brazil, a poor man goes to jail when he steals. When a rich man steals, he becomes a minister.

Brazil does not want to become an exporter of crude oil. No. We want to be a country that exports oil byproducts - more gasoline, high-quality oil - and to strengthen the petrochemical industry.

Venezuela needs to develop; economic growth is essential for the country after so many years of lagging behind.

Brazil is a country that has rich people, as you have in New York City, as you have in Berlin or in London. But we also have poor people like in Bangladesh or in African suburbs.

Brazil has rediscovered itself, and this rediscovery is being expressed in its people's enthusiasm and their desire to mobilize to face the huge problems that lie ahead of us.

Free trade is very important if we respect equality among nations.

My greatest desire is that the hope that has overcome fear in my country will help vanquish it around the world.

No sustainable development, environmental harmony or lasting security will happen if we are unable to eradicate hunger and extreme inequality

Free trade is very important if we respect equality among nations.

I am the son of an illiterate father and mother.

The production of fuel from basic food commodities is, in fact, unjustifiable.