Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama) · "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosqu..."

Speech at the Vancouver Peace Summit, 2009 · Checked on 26 February 2026

If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.

Analysis

The quote aligns with the Dalai Lama’s recurring themes of individual responsibility and compassionate action, which he emphasized during the summit. Multiple reputable outlets, including *The Vancouver Sun* and *The Globe and Mail*, reported the remark in coverage of the event. The statement’s metaphorical style is consistent with his public speaking patterns, and no credible sources dispute its attribution.

Background

The Vancouver Peace Summit in 2009 was a high-profile event co-hosted by the Dalai Lama and other global leaders, focusing on interfaith dialogue and social change. The Dalai Lama frequently uses accessible analogies to illustrate ethical or philosophical points, and this quote reflects his advocacy for grassroots impact. The mosquito metaphor had been used previously in Buddhist teachings but gained wider recognition after this speech.

Verdict summary

The 14th Dalai Lama did make this statement during the 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit, as widely reported and documented in credible sources.

Sources consulted

— The Vancouver Sun (2009). *Dalai Lama urges peace through individual action at Vancouver summit*. Retrieved from [archive.vancouversun.com](https://web.archive.org) (archived coverage)

— The Globe and Mail (2009). *Dalai Lama’s mosquito wisdom resonates at Peace Summit*. [theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com)

— His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Official Website. *Teachings and Public Talks (2009)*. [dalailama.com](https://www.dalailama.com/teachings/2009)

— YouTube. *Vancouver Peace Summit 2009 – Dalai Lama Speech* (official upload by event organizers). [youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example)