Shawn L. Bird

Today is International Day of Peace. Some people think that peace has to exist within the context of its contrast to war. Real peace goes beyond that. Nearly four hundred years ago the Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza observed,

Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.

I like this concept.  We work for peace in our world, by being peaceful with our family and our neighbours.  We have to live peace in our daily relationships.

When challenged by those who are not inclined to peaceful existence, or whose boastful, aggressive ways deliberately obliterate peace wherever they are, we demonstrate either our mastery over this concept, or our struggles.

Peace is an attitude.  Maintaining it can be a daily personal battle.