What are your thoughts on the movement to establish Ministries and
Departments of Peace in governments worldwide? |
Until very recently, many people felt that disagreements and conflicts between
nations and communities could only be resolved through war or the threat of
force. Although everyone wishes to live in peace, we are often confused about
how it can be achieved. Violence inevitably leads to more violence. It is not the
solution - certainly not in the long term. Today, more and more people realise
that the proper way of resolving differences is through dialogue, compromise
and discussions, through human understanding and humility. There is a growing
appreciation that genuine peace comes about through mutual understanding,
respect and trust. |
And so I say go for it. This is marvellous. Go for it and really be crazy and say, one day we’ll ask, “Why were
we so stupid for so long because of something so obvious?” Saying let us put our massive investment that
we are putting right now in instruments of death and destruction, let us put them into something that is
creative, that is life-enhancing teaching kids that there are ways of resolving differences that don’t need to be
violent. You can sit down and ultimately say, “You know, actually, an enemy is a friend waiting to be made.” |
In the present global situation we need a well-thought-out, coordinated long-term strategy. It has never been
more urgent, for example, that we seek a genuine determination to achieve global demilitarisation. However, I
believe that in order to have the confidence to eliminate physical weapons, some kind of inner disarmament
is necessary. To begin with we need to embark on the difficult task of developing love and compassion within
ourselves. Peace is not merely the absence of war, but a state of tranquillity founded on the deep sense of
security that arises from mutual understanding, tolerance of others’ points of view, and respect for their rights.
Peace is not something which exists independently of us, nor is war. The political leaders, policymakers and
army generals who have responsibilities with respect to peace are members of our own human family, the
society that we as individuals have helped create. |
