I can’t accept the world the way it is. It’s too horrible, but I have to try to change it. My choice is either take it or do something about it — or try to do something about it. I think we have an obligation to those who have died and to those have survived. To try, never to stop trying to make it a more humane world. And that’s what I do and I ask others to do the best they can — try. And if we try hard enough and long enough, I’m confident it will come about.

– Ben Ferencz, Nuremberg Trials prosecutor and lifetime activist, in the film The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court

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Update:

While caring for my little one on a

Saturday, April 8, 2023, fourteen years after my original writing of this quote, I became aware via an article on the BBC site that Mr. Farencz had passed away at the age of 103. I immediately remembered this quote and the film where I discovered his work.

While I will not claim to be a fan or long time follower of Mr. Farencz, I oddly saddened by his passing. His legacy of work and impact cannot be measured and his focus is an inspiration. I can only hope future generations heed his ideas and way of holding those in power and break the laws accountable. RIP Mr. Farencz.