WORDS FROM A GREAT MIND

José Ramos-Horta Quotes

Timorese independence advocate & president

Born: 1949
Died
Lived in: Timor-Leste & international diplomacy

José Ramos-Horta advocated internationally for East Timor’s independence and later served as president of Timor-Leste. His Nobel lecture presented diplomacy, human rights and reconciliation as foundations for an independent country.

A LESSER-KNOWN DETAIL

His 1996 Nobel lecture set out proposals for a future independent East Timor before independence had been achieved.

Words by José Ramos-Horta

“Diplomacy and mediation are not prerogatives of the major powers.”

Nobel Lecture, 10 December 1996

José Ramos-Horta ↗

“Our society will not be based on revenge.”

Nobel lecture, 10 December 1996 · Vision for a future independent East Timor

José Ramos-Horta ↗

“In victory be magnanimous.”

Nobel lecture, 10 December 1996 · On reconciliation after political victory

José Ramos-Horta ↗