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Tag: peace

Revenge: Why Not?

“Revenge only engenders violence, not clarity and true peace. I think liberation must come from within.”

~ Sandra Cisneros

Sandra Cisneros (1954 – ) is Mexican by heritage and spent her childhood migrating with her family between Mexico City and Chicago – where she attended high school and studied for her degree. She is a venerated Chicana writer who struggled with her cultural identity throughout her youth. She is best known for her novel House on Mango Street where she tells the stories of the marginalised women with whom she identifies.

In this quote, Cisneros points out that revenge itself is an act couched in a desire to inflict some suffering upon another. As such, it seeks to do harm, not good, and will, therefore, foster the same desire within the targeted person or party. Continue reading “Revenge: Why Not?”

Oneness With the Universe

“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells Wakan-Tanka and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”

~ Black Elk

Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950) was a Native American Sioux medicine man and warrior who lived in what is now South Dakota. Through an interpreter, Black Elk related his life story, his great vision, and details about his Native culture to John Niehardt. “Black Elk Speaks” was published by Niehardt in 1932 and has become an important source for understanding Native American culture. Continue reading “Oneness With the Universe”

WHO NEEDS CHANGE?

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.

~ Confucius

Confucius was an ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher who pre-dated Christianity by five centuries. He is one of the most influential and quoted thinkers of all time. In this quote, he teaches us about change. He likely wasn’t the first great thinker to discuss this topic and he certainly won’t be the last. One might conclude, from the plethora of statements and essays about the reality of change, that people just aren’t getting the message. Or is it a message that people would rather not hear? Continue reading “WHO NEEDS CHANGE?”

STARTING A WAR IS EASY…

It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.

André Gide

Andre Gide (1869-1951) was a French author and winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947. He was noted for his significant writings about human problems and conditions. It is important to understand that Gide lived in Paris, France, during both World War I and World War II – two of the most horrendous armed conflicts in history to that date. Within this context, I consider his words about war and peace. Continue reading “STARTING A WAR IS EASY…”