Quotes from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Do you want to be a man of today or a man of tomorrow?

There are two Mustafa Kemals: one is I, the flesh and bone Mustafa Kemal... the scond Mustafa Kemal I cannot describe with the word 'I.' That Mustafa Kemal is not I - it is 'We.' That Mustafa Kemal is the enlightened and warrior collectivity that is striving for the new thought, the new life, and the Great Ideal on every corner of this country.

Peace at home is peace in the country. Peace in the country is peace in the world.

Sovereignty and the right to rule cannot be conferred on anyone no matter who ... as a result of an academic discussion. Sovereignty is acquired by force and power and violence.

On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, Ä°stanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.

This nation has never lived without independence. We cannot and shall not live without it. Either independence or death.

Freedom and independence form my character.

No matter how rich and prosperous, a nation without independence, cannot be subject to any behaviour before the humanity, at a higher level than serving.

Freedom and independence is my character.

Teachers are the one and only people who save nations.

Authority, without any condition and reservation, belongs to the nation.

In order to stave off covetouness, greed, and spite, citizens world over must be educated.

He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap.

The supreme guide in life is knowledge.

A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.

We do not consider our principles as dogmas contained in books that are said to come from heaven. We derive our inspiration, not from heaven, or from an unseen world, but directly from life.

Greatness consists in deciding only what is necessary for the welfare of the country and making straight for the goal.

Science is the most reliable guide in life.

Our true mentor in life is science.

Science is the only true guide in life.

The biggest battle is the war against ignorance.

The nation has placed its faith in the precept that all laws should be inspired by actual needs here on earth as a basic fact of national life.

I have established the republic. But today it is not clear whether the form of government is a republic, a dictatorship, or personal rule.

I am pleased, with a feeling of good fortune, to be from Selanik. If you want to know the truth better, I feel that my chest is overflowing with a feeling of pride.