Haile Selassie’s quote emphasizes the dynamic and ongoing nature of peace. His insight urges us to reconsider peace not as a static state but as a continuous process that demands active participation and vigilance. This concept can be unpacked through several key points:
• Daily Efforts: Peace is achieved through daily actions and decisions, each contributing to a broader, sustained effort. Every act of kindness, understanding, and cooperation helps build a peaceful society.
• Complex Interactions: Peace is the outcome of numerous interactions and decisions. It is shaped by how we handle conflicts, the judgments we make about others, and the choices we prioritize in our personal and communal lives.
• Continuous Process: Viewing peace as a ‘becoming’ rather than an ‘is’ highlights its dynamic nature. Peace is not a permanent state that, once achieved, requires no further effort. It is an ongoing journey that needs constant nurturing and attention.
• Role of Individuals and Communities: Selassie’s perspective underscores the importance of individual and collective responsibility. Each person’s contribution, no matter how small, is vital in maintaining and fostering peace. Communities play a crucial role in cultivating an environment where peace can thrive.
• Resilience and Adaptability: The concept of peace as a ‘becoming’ implies resilience and adaptability. Societies must be prepared to address new challenges and conflicts as they arise, continuously working towards harmony and stability.
• Judgment and Decisions: Peace is closely tied to the judgments we make and the decisions we take. Fairness, empathy, and justice in our judgments lead to peaceful outcomes. This requires a conscious effort to understand and respect differing perspectives.
Haile Selassie’s words remind us that peace is a fragile, ever-evolving state that requires constant effort, vigilance, and commitment from all individuals and communities. It is through our daily actions, decisions, and judgments that we contribute to the ongoing process of peace.