What does peace mean to you?
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
Peace. A simple word yet filled with complexity and meaning. In a common dictionary, it is defined as freedom from disturbance; freedom from or the cessation of war or violence; mental or emotional calmness; among others.
But what does peace really mean?
Throughout history, great men honoured as heroes have fought and died in their pursuit of peace. Few of the greatest peace-oriented minds of the modern world quested to bring about their views to fulfill a true meaning of peace. India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, exemplified non-violence and justice to all citizens. Mother Teresa viewed it as the humanity within each of us. African-American rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., stood for equal rights and righteousness. And today’s Malala Yousafzai voiced that peace begins in the right of all children to education.
For over a hundred years, Scouts have also taken the lead in bringing about peace to their communities, countries, and the world. It is in the backbone of the Scouting ideals. Scouts not only believe in peace but we live it; it is in our Duty and our Promise.
So what does peace mean to Scouts?
Derek Scott: Peace is an aspiration we all need to work for. Scouting helps, or should help, people celebrate differences in cultures, whilst celebrating our common humanity and place in the world. Contrast this with the leaders and politicians in our world, it seems everywhere, who use these same differences to build fear of others and hate. Thanks be to God for organisations like the Scouts.
Yuvanram Tamilarasan: Peace is, for me, happiness with people without counting on regions or nations such as two best friends who are ready to give their life for each other, so as a Scout we have to give our life to maintain peace in world. Thank you.
Andrew D. Coopes: Peace is a choice... just as behaviour is also a choice. Both can be learned, taught and passed on... The philosophy of Scouting encourages peace, honour, trust, respect and all the things that form the foundation on which peace can be built on... Peace is an ideal we strive to attain and Scouting is a vehicle in which peace can be obtained.
Michael Keutner: Peace for me as a Scout is always first to see the good in people and stand up for tolerance and understanding. But that alone is not enough to say so: I as a person must exemplify it! I like this sentence from "Star Trek": "...If there is one ideal that the Federation holds dearest, it is that all men, all races can be united... " Jean-Luc Picard. I hope that this will be more than just science fiction! ” =)
Janet Fairbrother: Wouldn't it be great if all the children throughout the world joined Scouts and adopted the philosophy of peaceful citizenship... the world would be a much better place for it.
Bruno Castagno: Peace for me is an action in how to get along with everyone indifferent of race, beliefs, culture, gender, social status, etc. And work with them to achieving a better "us", given the best of "me".
Awadi Atchali: Peace means to smile at anytime and to anybody by making free your heart and your mind without hurting neither your environment nor your dignity no matter how difficult it is! It means simply, to live anywhere according the Scout law.
Peace, in all its complexity and meaning, is not a word to define but a goal – the light lying at the end of the tunnel, the silver lining between our challenges and achievements, or the future we ought to see.
Peace is a lifework. The very second we set foot in this world we become craftsmen of this work, and that remains with us through our life. Peace is boundless; it touches every walk of life. Therefore, peace is all of us – it is everything.
Every 21 September, when we celebrate the International Day of Peace, we celebrate possibilities more than achievements. There is still a lot of work to be done. For Scouts, everyday is Peace Day as we have pledged to be agents of positive change and Messengers of Peace. And as in the words of our founder, Baden-Powell, “Scouting is not only fun, but it also requires a lot from you.”
What are you doing for peace? Tell us and join our photo mission at http://photomissions.scout.org/missions/spread-the-message-of-peace/
By Eul Bryan de Gracia