What then is peace?

By Clive Chiridza

Peace, a small word with a deeper meaning attached to it, different interpretations, different perspectives and different understandings yet the meaning is one but for one's own self.

Setting a yardstick about what peace means to you is your own way of looking at it. When I hear this pure, magical word the first thing I see is a satisfied soul and not just prevailing quietness.

Peace is not the product of terror or fear, neither is it the silence of cemeteries, nor the silent result of violent repression but the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. It implies something quiet yet good from within and for something outside.

Nations go to war, often quoting peace as the reason. We must realize peace is a journey, not an end. Yet, in our efforts to obtain peace, we often do the most unpeaceful things. Instead of seeking inner peace, we seek to enforce peace on others. And that just doesn't work. Peace is a gift you can give to others and to yourself. If you seek peace with a sincere heart, you can find it.

While it is true that the world has become so complex and so technologically oriented that individuals no longer believe that they count or that they can do anything to affect world events, it is precisely the opposite.

For only when individuals take total responsibility for their own lives, find within themselves calm and power of ‘good' and live in peace with their neighbors and environment, only then will forces be set in motion that will eventually bring about world peace.


The quality of life depends not upon external development or material progress alone, but upon the inner development of peace and happiness. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds.

Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We can send so-called ‘peacekeeping forces' into areas of conflict, but peace cannot be imposed from the outside with guns. Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.

It's not enough to stand around asking if world peace will ever happen because that won't do anything. Actions speak louder than any words. If everyone starts living the peaceful, loving way, things will change.

Look for peace in you and not when any two nations or individuals are not at war, or when you are relaxed because you are your biggest challenge and once you win over the evil inside you, no matter whatever happens outside you, you will surely be peaceful.

However, in today's world, peace and harmony face various threats. Terrorism, regional imbalance, economic disparity, and social inequality are some of the factors which threaten peace today.

We all are so engrossed in our busy lifestyles and yet want our lives to be peaceful. We expect that peace to be omnipresent but what we need to realize is the fact that if we want peace, we have to live peacefully, love everyone, forgive and forget.


But someone has to start and lead by example. Mahatma Gandhi once said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  We can't rely on anyone else to do this. We have to do these ourselves.

Peace ends suffering and oppression, not by warring against an enemy but by bearing witness to wrongs and allowing sympathy and common humanity to do their patient work. Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa lived different aspects of peace, which was proven to be a viable way to achieve great things.

There is a constant fight going on inside you, white versus black, good versus evil and when we obtain control over ourselves we can win this war. When good prevails over evil within us, we can spread peace to our external elements.

Clive Chiridza is motivational speaker and social commentator and can be reached at chiridzac@gmail.com or www.introspectioninsights.com