▲Buddhist monk and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh passed away in January 2022. Living in New York City as a lecturer at the time of the Vietnam War, he returned to help fellow monks in peaceful protest.

▲Originally from Nicaragua, she has taken part in a huge number of peace and humanitarian campaigns, including challenging the regime in her own country.

▲Not only did he write the song 'Masters of War,' which has a clearly anti-war message, he also took part in protests against the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

▲The American singer has been protesting for decades. She took part in protests against the Vietnam and Iraq wars, and has publicly spoken out on many human rights issues.

▲An extremely recognizable and iconic figure, Gandhi was responsible for putting an end to the British Empire's rule over India. He achieved this through non-violent means.

▲Hitler came to power while Einstein was in the US, therefore he did not return to his native Germany. The genius scientist campaigned against nuclear weapons.

▲Whilst his pacifism was based on religious teachings, and he wasn't an active protester, Tolstoy wrote at great length on the immorality of war and violence.

▲She was a very active participant in many socially progressive causes, one of which was active opposition to war and military interventionism.

▲A regular contributor to the pacifist magazine Peace News, she was condemned for criticizing the Allied Forces carpet bombing German cities in WWII.

▲The lifelong pacifist opposed both WWI and WWII, and was the only person in Congress to vote against declaring war on Germany and Japan.

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The prominent civil rights campaigner also had a very strong stance on the Vietnam War, which occurred in the 1960s, at the height of Dr. King's fame.

Click here to find out more about the amazing life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

▲The Beatles member transformed upon meeting Ono. They were both actively involved in protest and activism, especially against war.

▲Huxley was a highly influential British writer who relocated to the US later in life. He wrote about pacifism extensively and was very anti-war.

▲The writer made many references to war and nuclear attacks in his novels, and in real life his opinions were held very firmly against any kind of war.

▲The famous and influential writer Wilde once wrote, "As long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination. When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular."

▲Ali spoke out against the Vietnam war, and refused to join the military. This led to him being listened to and respected more by the counterculture movement.

▲Jolie has been actively involved in humanitarianism for over two decades, and has visited several war zones. She is a Special Envoy to the United Nations.

▲Perhaps the most famous vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, even nicknamed "Hanoi Jane," Fonda continues to this day to take part in meaningful protests.

▲Naturally anti-war, the current Dalai Lama also was very condemnatory of attacks on Muslims in Myanmar by Buddhist monks, and reminded them to remember the teachings of Buddha.

▲The Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation was set up in Somalia as an NGO to promote peace and provide assistance for all in need of it. Abdi, who passed away in 2020, was exemplary in her humanitarian work.

▲Sarandon has taken part in many protests, most notably against the 2003 Iraq War. She has also spoken out on a number of social and environmental issues.

▲The inspiration behind the 2004 film 'Hotel Rwanda,' he worked in a hotel which housed well over a thousand people during the genocide in Rwanda and saved them all.

▲She lost her son Casey in the Iraq War, and ever since then has been one of the most prominent and outspoken critics of the regime, and especially of former President George W. Bush.

▲Luxemburg was a staunch critic of German imperialism and militarism. She was heavily involved in writing strongly against World War I.

▲Gbowee is a Liberian activist who has spoken out against the damage that war can do and the years it takes for a country to be fully repaired following it.

▲Maathai was a Kenyan professor and activist. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her courage in standing up to the oppressive Kenyan regime.

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Mandela is a national hero for South Africa, and of course his legacy is celebrated all over the world. He always tried to stop conflict and bring about democracy.

▲The prolific writer and activist was arrested many times for his opposition to the Vietnam war. He continues to oppose any kind of imperialism or war.

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There are many different reasons why a person would dedicate their lives to peaceful endeavor. They may consider it a "life calling," they may feel strongly against a particular issue, or perhaps they simply have a strong desire to do humanitarian work.

Either way, this selfless behavior is to be commended and admired. Many individuals have made a huge and remarkable difference to the lives of others, and indeed to different nations. Take a look through to find out what these inspiring pacifists have done.

Who are the most iconic pacifists throughout history?

Influential figures who made a significant impact on society

02/10/24 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Activism

Either way, this selfless behavior is to be commended and admired. Many individuals have made a huge and remarkable difference to the lives of others, and indeed to different nations. Take a look through to find out what these inspiring pacifists have done.