Quotes by King Hussein
A vast chasm separates objective, constructive criticism, which emanates from concern for the higher national good, from attempts at slander and defamation. Pluralism does not permit any side to claim a monopoly on truth. No side may claim for itself the sole prerogative to confer the quality of good citizenship. None may claim to be more concerned for the national good than another.
– King Hussein
As a Muslim, I know that my faith reveres all monotheistic religions. It completes God's message to mankind to live together in friendship and dignity, at a time when Islam, Christianity and Judaism, in many parts of the world, present an image which is totally alien to the spirit in which they were meant: the teachings of God in terms of tolerance and mutual respect.
– King Hussein
As far as democracy is concerned, I think that there are still some steps that should be taken in time. I am particularly referring to the party system, where it is not a question of individuals but of a smaller number of parties with ideas and with plans that could excite and gain the support of many segments of the population. Then we can really have the kind of democracy that we are seeking.
– King Hussein
As long as one knows that there is a judgement day, he tries to keep his conscience clear and to serve and do what he can. People's trust is very dear, and one must be up to it, not by trying to do what pleases people everywhere on every occasion, but by doing what satisfies one's conscience.
– King Hussein
How can we resolve problems if we do not place ourselves in the position of others with whom we have problems? How can we move ahead if we do not have mutual respect for each other, and stemming from it, trust? How can we move ahead if we do not have a common objective that we are committed to reach? These are questions that are in the minds of many in our part of the world at this time.
– King Hussein
I believe that the Arab world is never going to be a united nation, as had been hoped in the Arab Revolt, but something in a more modern context, similar to Europe. It is the only way. We have developed within each part of the Arab world our own identities, and unity in the future must be a unity of sovereign equals.
– King Hussein
I believe with all my heart that if a man is to give of his best he must live the fundamental life of an ordinary man. One cannot hide behind a title or a position or a throne. One can be proud of one's responsibilities, just as I am, but one cannot use titles or position as a shield.
– King Hussein
I certainly see, maybe as a dream at this stage, the kind of condition that exists in Europe, with all the turmoil that Europe went through this century, where the system of government, be it monarchy or republic, doesn't make any difference. Something along these lines should be possible in the Arab world.
– King Hussein
I had realized from the outset that vanity was a fatal affliction and that the only life worth adhering to, was one representing a journey of struggle in the service of exalted values and noble aims, one that recognizes that every living soul will meet its destined end, for which there always is a good account. When the time comes, no hour could be postponed or brought forward.
– King Hussein
I never was one of those ambitious people craving for expansion. I believe in God and life after death. Each one of us lives his days according to the will of God. I believe also in nations and that individuals' efforts should be dedicated for the good of nations and not for idolizing persons.
– King Hussein
In the peace process, the partner doesn't just sit and allow things to deteriorate to the point of disaster. The United States is needed with thoughts and with ideas, not only with the attitude of a messenger between parties, but - when things get rough - to come in and help with what is just and what is right, to overcome difficulty.
– King Hussein
Let us always remember that our homeland needs people who would tackle its problems and concerns in a rational and realistic fashion as well as in a creative and balanced way, and not those who would take it to the level of dreams and unrealistic imagination in a world of illusions and sloganism.
– King Hussein
My dearest wish is for the verdict of future generations to be for me and not against me, since I realize that shouldering responsibility at this point in time entails an acceptance of life's voyage under the most difficult circumstances, which are viciously inimical to those with a great heart and living conscience.
– King Hussein
The bright image of Islam with its values, moderation, centrism, keenness for human dignity, and creation of the concept of Shura and dialogue, will always be our source of pride. It is our means to convince the world that we Arabs and Muslims are far from fanaticism, that we love peace and prosperity, and that we are real partners in the making of human civilization.
– King Hussein
The quality of life of the individual citizen is the ultimate yardstick by which to measure the success of any government. Jordan's development record, though impressive by many standards, was always hampered not only by the ongoing conflict, but also by the scarcity of resources. Our answer was to invest in our most precious asset, the individual citizen.
– King Hussein
The sort of peace in which we believe, and which we pursue, is comprehensive, just, and lasting. It would enable the peoples of the region to realize total development, to improve their standard of living in the framework of stability, and to live in security and dignity. This is the peace which the peoples make, and defend with conviction.
– King Hussein
There's so much in the Quran on peace, as there is on submission to one God, the attributes of God, heaven and respect for the other two monotheistic religions. These are teachings we don't much hear about, but they affect me in my political life, supporting my firm belief that I'm doing the right thing. It's along these lines that so much can be taught.
– King Hussein
To recognize ourselves -Arabs, Jews, Christians, Muslims, the descendants of the Children of Abraham- that in itself should be our greatest challenge. To come together, to work together, to revive the reality of our common struggle way in the past that helped contribute to the world of today its culture, its civilization, its progress.
– King Hussein
We are fully aware of the obstacles and difficulties that stand in the way of this country's progress. They consist of the lack of resources, and modest means. Yet, at the same time, we realize that the Jordanian citizen who is educated, qualified, committed and diligent is our asset and our means of overcoming these difficulties. He is the tool of development, and his good is its objective.
– King Hussein