Mutual Harmony

Peace means many things. Between nations, it means a condition of non-agression. Between people or groups, it means mutual harmony. In a community it means the absence of violence or civil commotion, order and security for the public. To the individual it means the freedom of mind from worry, anxiety, distraction or annoyance. Many writers have emphasized that peace must first come to the individual.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself." Once there is peace within the individual it can grow to the community, the nation and the world. Benjamin Franklin said. "There was never a good war or a bad peace." Thomas Jefferson said, "Whatever enables us to go to war secures our peace." He gives a "peaceful" reason for the preparation for war. Gandhi said, "Peace is its own reward." Finding inner peace is a goal for each person. We also find peace by helping others. The Peace Corps is an example of that. As we help others obtain peace, we gain it ourselves, both as an individual and a nation.

Peace is a universal desire all over the world. If you ask someone what they wish for, the answer may be "peace". Yet with everyone wishing for peace, there is war in much of the world. Why are we not able to obtain this magical state? It has been defined as the absence of war, conflict or hostility.

There are many causes for the lack of peace. Insecurity, social injustice, economic problems and inequality, racism, nationalism, and political and religious radicalism are many of the problems that destroy peace among nations. The quality of peace requires that we respect justice and show goodwill.