There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.
A. J. MusteRead
We cannot have peace if we are only concerned with peace. War is not an accident. It is the logical outcome of a certain way of life. If we want to attack war, we have to attack that way of life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True peace requires addressing the underlying issues that lead to conflict rather than simply wishing for peace.
A. J. Muste suggests that peace cannot be achieved merely by desiring it; it necessitates a profound examination of our lifestyle and societal values that give rise to war. He argues that war is a predictable result of certain life choices and beliefs, implying that to genuinely pursue peace, one must confront and change the root causes of conflict, rather than focusing solely on the notion of peace itself.
Themes
PeaceWarLifestyleConflictChange
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about social justice and conflict resolution at a community meeting.
More from A. J. Muste
All quotes →In a world built on violence, one must be a revolutionary before one can be a pacifist.
A. J. MusteRead
There is a certain indolence in us, a wish not to be disturbed, which tempts us to think that when things are quiet, all is well. Subconsciously, we tend to give the preference to 'social peace,' though it be only apparent, because our lives and possessions seem then secure. Actually, human beings acquiesce too easily in evil conditions; they rebel far too little and too seldom. There is nothing noble about acquiescence in a cramped life or mere submission to superior force.
A. J. MusteRead
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