Quotes from Lech Walesa

My youth passed at the time of the country's reconstruction from the ruins and ashes of the war in which my nation never bowed to the enemy paying the highest price in the struggle.

I want to light the lights of patriotism.

I most sincerely wish that the world in which we live be free from the threat of a nuclear holocaust and from the ruinous arms race. It is my cherished desire that peace be not separated from freedom which is the right of every nation. This I desire and for this I pray.

As a nation we have the right to decide our own affairs, to mould our own future. This does not pose any danger to anybody. Our nation is fully aware of the responsibility for its own fate in the complicated situation of the contemporary world.

My struggle led to the reunification of Germany and the creation of the state of Europe. We destroyed the borders; globalisation is on the horizon.

I decided to get to know my opponents and their arguments.

The defense of our rights and our dignity, as well as efforts never to let ourselves to be overcome by the feeling of hatred - this is the road we have chosen.

Let the veil of silence fall presently over what happened afterwards. Silence, too, can speak out.

I hope to work harder than ever to help people around the world.

I believe that any violation of privacy is nothing good.

When I recall my own path of life I cannot but speak of the violence, hatred and lies. A lesson drawn from such experiences, however, was that we can effectively oppose violence only if we ourselves do not resort to it.

I have a vision, and I know I'm right.

This conviction brought me, in the summer of 1978, to the Free Trade Unions - formed by a group of courageous and dedicated people who came out in the defense of the workers' rights and dignity.

Deep faith eliminates fear.

I think if I got a bicycle from my father, I should give a car to my son.

I'm a man of faith. I only fear God, and my wife - sometimes.

Freedom must be gained step by step, slowly. Freedom is a food which must be carefully administered when people are too hungry for it.

Everyone wants a voice in human freedom. There's a fire burning inside all of us.

He who once became aware of the power of Solidarity and who breathed the air of freedom will not be crushed.