IRIE™ celebrates the 127th Earthstrong of Haile Selassie I (July 23, 1892 – August 27, 1975), the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. A member of the Solomonic dynasty who traced his lineage to Emperor Menelik I, he is a defining figure in modern Ethiopian history. Born in the village of Ejersa Goro,
in the Harar province of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I is revered as the returned messiah, God Incarnate, by the Rastafari Movement. Haile Selassie I’s official titles include the ‘Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah’, the ‘King of Kings of Ethiopia’ and the ‘Elect of God’.

To celebrate his Earthstrong, IRIE has put together a selection of Haile Selassie I’s profound quotes.

On Education

“Education is a means of sharpening the mind of man both spiritually and intellectually. It is a two-edged sword that can be used either for the progress of mankind or for its destruction. That is why it has been Our constant desire and endeavor to develop our education for the benefit of mankind”.

On Racial Discrimination

“That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained”.

On Peace

“Peace demands the united efforts of us all. Who can foresee what spark might ignite the fuse?”

On Spirituality

“The temple of the highest begins with the body which houses our life, the essence of our existence. Africans are in bondage today because they approach spirituality through religion provided by foreign invaders and conquerors. We must stop confusing religion and spirituality. Religion is a set of rules, regulations, and rituals created by humans, which was supposed to help people grow spiritually.”

On Unity

“History teaches us that unity is a strength and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals, to strive, with all our combined strength, for the path to true African brotherhood and unity.”