Sikhi Through the Eyes of Western Geniuses

François Bernier

1) François Bernier (1625–1688)

"The Sikhs are a people who seek neither the luxuries of life nor violent conquest, but who value honor, courage, and equality above all."

(French physician and traveler)

Father Catrou

2) Father Catrou (1659–1737)

"Gobind Singh was a man of extraordinary talents, bravery, and wisdom. His system aimed to abolish all distinctions of caste and creed."

(French historian)

Antoine Polier

3) Antoine Polier (1741–1795)

"The Sikhs form a body united by the bonds of fraternity, loyalty, and valor, without any superstitious traditions to mar their religion."

(Swiss-French engineer and orientalist)

George Forster

4) George Forster (c. 1752–1792)

"The Sikhs are a nation of free men. Their spirit is independent, and their religion inculcates equality and bravery."

(English traveler and writer)

Major-General Sir John Malcolm

5) Major-General Sir John Malcolm (1769–1833)

"The Sikh faith was remarkable for its simplicity, its rejection of idol worship, and the equality it preached among men."

(British East India Company officer and historian)

John Keith

6) John Keith (1749–1832)

"If not today then tomorrow, one day we will have to accept Sikhism. Because that is the true religion."

Major Evans Bell

7) Major Evans Bell (1825–1887)

"Sikhism was a declaration of the dignity of man and equality before God, far ahead of its time."

(British military officer and writer)

Lepel Griffin

8) Lepel Griffin (1838–1908)

"The Sikh Gurus founded a system superior to Hinduism and Islam, preaching unity of God and fraternity of mankind, which was centuries ahead of its time."

(British administrator and historian)

Max Arthur Macauliffe

9) Max Arthur Macauliffe (1838-1913)

"The Sikh religion is a universal and practical religion. It appeals to all mankind. It is not a religion of idle asceticism, but one of practical activity and moral teaching."

(British historian and Sikh scholar)

Herbert Wells

10) Herbert Wells (1846-1946)

"As long as the world will understand Sikhism well, then many more generations will have to face atrocities and murders! But the world will one day be inspired by Sikhism, that day the world will become a place for human beings to settle down and live in."

(English writer)

Leo Tolstoy

11) Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)

"Sikhs and Sikhs will one day rule this world because it is a mixture of knowledge and intelligence."

(Russian philosopher and writer)

Bertrand Russell

12) Bertrand Russell (1872–1970)

"I have read about Sikhism. I think it is the religion of mankind all over the world. Sikhism has spread all over Europe. Many scholars studying Sikhism will appear in Europe. One day such situation will be formed where only Sikhs will lead the world."

(British philosopher, logician, and mathematician)

Dr. Arnold Toynbee

13) Dr. Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975)

"The Sikh religion has in it the potential to offer hope and light to the entire world."

(British historian and philosopher)

Pearl S. Buck

14) Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973)

"When I first read the Guru Granth Sahib, I was deeply moved... Here was poetry and philosophy and faith — all harmoniously blended into one."

(American novelist, Nobel Prize winner)

Albert Einstein

15) Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

"...only Sikhism has the power to lead to peace."

(German-born theoretical physicist)

Houston Smith

16) Houston Smith (1919-2016)

"We are not able to trust Sikhism as much as we put in ourselves. If we can turn our thoughts and heartfelt feelings towards Sikhism, it will benefit us."

(American scholar of Religious Studies)

Costa Lobán

17) Costa Lobán (1841–1931)

"Sikhs only talk of peace and reconciliation. I invite Christians to admire the change and believe in it."

Bernard Shaw

18) Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

"One day this world will accept Sikhism. Without understanding the 'Satinam' of Sikhism one will not be able to accept its principles. Western nations will surely adopt Sikhism one day. The religion of scholars is also similar to Sikhism."

Dr. H.R. McLeod

19) Dr. H.R. McLeod (1932–2009)

"Sikhism's emphasis on social justice, equality, and personal devotion makes it one of the world's most remarkable religions."

(New Zealand historian of Sikhi)

Dalai Lama

20) Dalai Lama (b. 1935)

"The Sikh community has shown great resilience and compassion. Their commitment to service is truly remarkable and inspiring."

Mark Tully

21) Mark Tully (b. 1935)

"Sikhism teaches humility, service, and dedication — values which are desperately needed in today’s world."

(British journalist and author, former BBC India correspondent)

Barack Obama

22) Barack Obama (b. 1961)

"Sikh Americans, with their commitment to equality, service, and community, embody the best of American values."

(Former U.S. President)

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