Dalai Lama (14th)

Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism

Contemporary influential 123 sayings

Sayings by Dalai Lama (14th)

It is under the greatest adversity that there is the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.

1998 — Book: 'The Art of Happiness'
Humorous Unverifiable

I am just one human being, but I am also part of the seven billion human beings on this planet.

c. 2010s — Public address
Humorous Unverifiable

The very motion of our life is towards happiness.

1998 — Book: 'The Art of Happiness'
Humorous Unverifiable

I think of myself as a human being first, and then as a Buddhist monk.

c. 2000s — Interview
Humorous Unverifiable

A good friend who always tells you the truth is a blessing.

c. 2000s — Attributed, popular quote
Humorous Unverifiable

We need to learn to live together in peace and harmony, and not just tolerate each other.

c. 2010s — Public address
Humorous Unverifiable

Optimism is a wonderful quality, and it can be cultivated.

1998 — Book: 'The Art of Happiness'
Humorous Unverifiable

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

c. 2000s — Attributed, popular quote
Humorous Unverifiable

I hope that my life will be of benefit to all sentient beings.

c. 1980s-present — Various public statements
Humorous Unverifiable

Sometimes I think I am a Communist.

2011 — Interview with The Times of India
Shocking Unverifiable

I think I am a Marxist.

2015 — Interview with The Guardian
Shocking Unverifiable

If a new Dalai Lama comes, that female must be attractive. Otherwise, not much use.

2015 — Interview with BBC
Shocking Unverifiable

Europe, I think, Europe is for Europeans.

2019 — Interview with BBC
Shocking Unverifiable

I am a simple Buddhist monk.

Ongoing — Frequent self-description
Shocking Unverifiable

My main concern is the well-being of the six million Tibetans.

Unknown, frequently stated — Statement on his role
Shocking Unverifiable

My father was a farmer, my mother was a farmer. My family was very poor.

Unknown — Interview
Shocking Unverifiable

We need to combine modern education with ancient Indian knowledge.

2018 — Speech in India
Shocking Unverifiable

Old people, they are not so much. Young people, many. So young people's minds are very important.

2015 — Interview with BBC, on his successor
Shocking Unverifiable

My hope and prayer is that the Chinese Communist Party will change.

2010 — Interview
Shocking Unverifiable

The Chinese people are very good people.

2016 — Speech in Japan
Shocking Unverifiable