Leymah Gbowee
(1972-)

Liberian Peace Activist
2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

birthdate: February 1
birthplace:
Central Liberia

QUOTES

"You can tell people of the need to struggle, but when the powerless start to see that they really can make a difference, nothing can quench the fire.”

When someone offends you and you haven't let go, every time you see him, you grow breathless or your heart skips a beat. If the trauma was really severe, you dream of revenge. Above you, is the Mountain of Peace and Prosperity where we all want to go. But when you try to climb that hill, the person you haven't forgiven weighs you down. It's a personal choice whether or not to let go. No one can tell you how long to mourn a death or rage over a rape. But you can't move forward until you break that chain.

People who have lived through a terrible conflict may be hungry and desperate, but they are not stupid. They often have very good ideas about how peace can evolve, and they need to be asked.

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