PEACE: A Compendium

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“Peac“O peace! How many wars were waged in thy name.” Alexander Pope.

Gracing the shelves and catalogs of our libraries are thousands of volumes, both fictional and nofictional, devoted to the cruelty of man in the form of violence, aggression, war, and conflict. They dwarf the number of familiar works devoted to peace. Such a fact begs the question: Why is peace such an uncommon topic? Is it because it lacks excitement and romance? Is it the stuff of pseudoscience, surrealism, anarchy, free love, communal living, or nature-worship? For every media presentation on peace, there are at least 100 as many vignettes on some form of violence. Perhaps, it is because the topic is noneconomical, unacceptable, unworthy, or just misunderstood by humanity. Thomas Hardy observed: “War makes good rattling history, but peace is poor reading.” Is it that we are oriented, inbred with and even hardened to a violent heritage, or rather is it that humankind lacks the discipline and trust so necessary for peace?

Moreover, is this subject worthy of consideration? Should it concern us? Scripture notes “we must strive for peace with all our hearts”(Psalm 34:12,14). Few disagree with the value of and desirability for peace. Who among us does not yearn for long life and the contentment of peace? Conventional wisdom, however, promotes armamentaria and conflict or at best disarmament and the avoidance of violence without taking the more difficult positive steps toward permanent peace. Viable options derived from the lessons of history are vital lest we forget what has and has not worked in this regard. By learning about successful outcomes, the recycling of productive ideas and actions become possible. Learning about peace work in different countries can also help the growth of, and the need for, more international understanding and cooperation. Indeed, peace movements, while limited in time, may not be limited in space. These efforts have borne significant fruit. Hundreds of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs that address peace and conflict issues are emerging worldwide in some of our finest colleges and universities. They reflect a growing interest and burgeoning job market in this field.

This book plumbs the breadth and depth of peace as an entity, an ideal and a survival behavior. It covers definitional issues, relevant historical aspects, and recommendations for achieving peace. Theoretical and practical research from the fields of philosophy, sociology, political science, and psychology provides a basis for a comprehensive understanding of this sometimes maligned, often neglected state. As much as possible, the material is presented in a dispassionate and nonpartisan approach.

In the search for peace, the journey will be more important than the result. Understanding the basic concept of peace is the first step on a sojourn whose roadmap requires discernment and revitalization: “I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace”(Helen Keller). Milestones need to be placed, direction clarified and obstacles and detours identified. A commitment to and the appropriate provisions for the quest are absolute essentials for it will be a long and difficult one. Every step taken along the path, however, must yield fruit. Let us find the way together.

“Peace, not war, is the father of all things.” Ludwig von Mises.