The Principle of PEACE

Peace must always be chosen.

INDIVIDUAL PEACE: A DEFINITION
Negatively: Peace is the absence of civil disturbance, oppression, intimidation, violence, abusive speech, threats, discriminatory lack of opportunity.

Positively: Peace is a sense of security and safety and harmonious relationships, without feeling a need for revenge, punishment, reparations, or apologies. It is sense of goodwill and well being. 

PRINCIPLES OF PEACE

• Feed peace and it will grow. Starve violence and it will die.
• There is no peace without forgiveness (no feelings of punishment, revenge, reparations, or apologies).
• Peace, like friendship, is a choice and cannot be imposed, legislated, organized, or demanded.
• Peace is always individual but must be sought at a national and international level.
• Peace is more a mindset than a set of circumstances.
• Peace begins with me.
• All can contribute to peace and peacemaking.
• Peace must be built with the proper tools.
• While condemning evil is necessary, demonstrating peace is more important.
• Justice is impossible but must be sought to maintain peace.
  
• "There is not a way to peace, peace is the way." --Mahatma Gandhi
• Peace is possible.
• Peace is a right, not only a privilege.
• Peace does not break out. It must be planned for, planted, nourished.
• Governments cannot make peace; only enhance the conditions where peacemaking can occur.
• The goal of peacemaking is friendship, not mere coexistence, tolerance, ceasefire, armistice.
• Violence is a symptom (result) of a deeper disease; peace is a symptom (result) of deep beliefs and values.

Next: Principle of the INDIVIDUAL