Bertha von Suttner
Bertha von Suttner: A Life of Peace Activism and Advocacy
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Bertha Feliza Sophie Freifrau von Suttner was a renowned Austrian-born peace activist, writer, and one of the most prominent women in the history of international relations. She is commonly known as Baroness Bertha von Suttner.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 9, 1843, in Prague, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic), Bertha von Suttner passed away on June 21, 1914, in Krems an der Donau, Austria-Hungary.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Von Suttner was a naturalized Swiss citizen and held various professions throughout her life. She was a writer, journalist, translator, and politician. Her work spanned multiple fields, including literature, politics, and international relations.
#### Early Life and Background
Bertha von Suttner grew up in a noble family in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). Her father, Arthur Freiherrn von Suttner, was an Austrian diplomat who served as the ambassador to Russia. This exposure to high-level politics and diplomacy likely influenced Bertha's interest in international relations. She received a private education, which included languages, literature, and music.
#### Major Accomplishments
Bertha von Suttner is best known for her tireless efforts in promoting peace and disarmament. Her most significant accomplishments include:
Co-founding the International Peace Bureau (IPB) in 1891 with William Randal Cremer.
Writing "Lay Down Your Arms: The Autobiography of Bertha von Suttner," a book that highlights her experiences as a peace activist and earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905.
Serving as a delegate to the International Congress of Women at The Hague in 1899, where she helped draft the "Women's Declaration" calling for an end to war.
#### Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her work with the IPB and the Nobel Peace Prize, von Suttner was also known for:
Translating Berthold Auerbach's book "Spinoza" into French.
Writing articles and editorials for various newspapers and journals on topics such as peace, disarmament, and women's rights.
#### Impact and Legacy
Bertha von Suttner's impact on the world is profound. She:
Inspired a generation of peace activists, including famous figures like Mahatma Gandhi.
Contributed significantly to the development of international organizations dedicated to promoting peace and understanding.
Set an example for women in politics and public service, paving the way for future generations.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Bertha von Suttner is widely quoted and remembered because of her unwavering commitment to peace and her tireless efforts to promote disarmament. Her work continues to inspire people around the world who are dedicated to creating a more peaceful and just society.
Quotes by Bertha von Suttner
Seek not good from without: seek it within yourselves, or you will never find it.
One of the eternal truths is that happiness is created and developed in peace, and one of the eternal rights is the individual’s right to live.
Strange how blind people are! They are horrified by the torture chambers of the Middle Ages, but their arsenals fill them with pride!
Alfred Nobel believed that social changes are brought about slowly, and sometimes by indirect means.
The stars of eternal truth and right have always shone in the firmament of human understanding. The process of bringing them down to earth, remolding them into practical forms, imbuing them with vitality, and then making use of them, has been a long one.
How can justice be attained when, in the expiation of an old wrong, another wrong is to be committed? No reasonable creature would conceive of the idea of obliterating ink stains with ink, or spots of oil with oil. Only blood must be washed out with blood.
I wanted to be of service to the Peace League, and how could I better do so than by trying to write a book which should propagate its ideas? And I could do it most effectively, I thought, in the form of a story.
I am quite sure that from America will come the greatest help for the cause of peace, and I consider it my duty to inform the people of Europe as to the feelings and intentions of the friends of peace in Europe.
One of the eternal truths is that happiness is created and developed in peace, and one of the eternal rights is the individual's right to live.