May 16, 2021
We can’t make peace until we understand why we always make conflict and war
Question from the Internet:
“Here’s an interesting thought: In order for true lasting peace to occur; action’s have to take place, not just talk. Our society has talked for far to long and done nothing. We have to implement actions like, water treatment. What do y’all think?”
You are right, we need actions in order to make peace, not just celebrated but fruitless speeches, empty slogans.
On the other hand there is a saying, “if you don’t know what to do, it is better to sit and do nothing". And right now we don’t know what to do.
We haven’t recognized, accepted yet, that although we want peace, we need peace, our inherently self-serving, self-justifying, proudly individualistic, fiercely competitive nature constantly drives us towards conflict, war.
We actually cherish ruthless competition, succeeding at each other’s expense and lament this only when we are on the losing end. When skillful leaders, politicians, activists appeal to our inherent nature and incite hatred against others, we immediately jump, protest, riot, go for war.
Only when we recognized and accepted our inherent nature — regardless of our ideology, culture, religion, political standing — then can we start a unique, purposeful and practical peace education teaching us how peace is possible above, despite who we are.
