Hagar Olsson

Overview

Hagar Olsson born Kustavi (Gustafs), Finland, Russia September 16, 1893 (d. 1978). Finnish-Swedish pacifist playwright, editor, and novelist. Pan-European cosmopolitan. Her play “S. O. S.” told the story of an arms manufacturer converting to pacifism, 1929; antiwar piece “Lumisola” (“Snowball War”) was banned, 1940.

Quotations

“[Peace is] a destructive fire that will burn down the evil by the root. It is not directed towards specific political conditions. [Peace] aims at reshaping the whole of society like it reshapes each individual. . . For individuals, peace means awakening, conversion and a great mission: We are the soldiers and the missioners [of peace]. We have gone to the world like crusaders, not to rob graves but to win life." (“S. O. S.”, Mikko-Olavi Seppälä, p. 44; photo Wikipedia)

Roza Otunbayeva

Overview

Roza Otunbayeva born Frunze, USSR (now Bishkek, Kyrgizstan) August 23, 1950. Professor of Philosophy; UN Special Envoy for Abkhazia dispute 2002; Thrice Kyrgiz Foreign Minister; a leader in Tulip Revolution 2005; as interim President (2010-11) she ended ethnic violence, introduced a new constitution and elections, the start of the Arab Spring according to Vladimir Putin.

Quotations

"We have totally changed the code of behaviour in my country. . . We hope that this will be the way for years to come." (UN press conference, Nov. 22 ,2011; photo Wikipedia)