Humanitarian by Every Right
Norman Borlaug's battle against hunger vitalized the agricultures of developing nations worldwide. Consequently, alleviating hunger, suppressing famine, and leaving hope where there was none.
"Throughout his life, Dr. Borlaug was committed to alleviating hunger and improving food production technologies that have saved millions of lives. One day the advancements he shepherded may end our global hunger crises. I have experienced first-hand the reverence that thousands of Africans have for Dr. Borlaug's untiring efforts to relieve their hunger. His compassion and humanity will continue to inspire generations to come. Dr. Borlaug is a hero, and his contributions to the field of science and the cause of peace were immeasurable."
- Jimmy Carter, Former United States President
Norman Borlaug perceived suffering in the midst of hunger, and as a humanitarian, derived from this image the motivation to assume responsibility for those who were deprived of a fundamental right.
A true humanitarian, Borlaug devoted his life to advocating the inalienable human right to a life devoid of hunger, a benefaction for which he is credited with saving over one billion lives from starvation. Quite possibly, saving more lives than any other individual in history.
"Dr. Norman Borlaug's life and achievements are testimony to the far reaching contribution that one man's towering intellect, persistence and scientific vision can make to human peace and progress. One of Dr. Borlaug's favorite quotations was to 'reach for the stars'. In doing so, Dr. Borlaug helped millions of people escape from a life of hunger and deprivation."
- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
“Almost certainly, the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world ... If you desire peace, cultivate justice, but at the same time cultivate the fields to produce more bread, otherwise there will be no peace.” |
“The attainment of human rights in the fullest sense can not be achieved so long as hundreds of millions of poverty stricken people lack the basic necessities for life. The right to dissent does not mean much to a person with an empty stomach.” |
"I believe we agricultural scientists have a moral obligation to warn the political, educational, and religious leaders of the world about the magnitude and seriousness of the arable land, food, and population problems that lie ahead. If we fail to do so in a forthright manner, we will be negligent in our duty and inadvertently will be contributing to the pending chaos of incalculable millions of deaths by starvation."
- Norman Borlaug