Peace Quotes Assignment

 

1- “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” — Desmond Tutu

This quote resonates with me because it discusses the power of small actions that when combined, result in something grand.  As an educator, the idea of doing “little bits of good” whether it be with my students, my colleagues, my students’ parents, contribute to a larger change within our school community and that can help foster a more peaceful world. 

I’m also reminded of a principle in our religion of being at the service of your community and helping those who need it.  Something as simple as putting a smile on one's face or helping someone during their time of need, has great reward.  

We don't live in this world in isolation; rather we are all interconnected. This is an important point to keep in mind as it should foster a sense of shared responsibility which will result in supporting one another. When we all contribute to making this world a better place, even with small acts, we will help create a more peaceful and compassionate reality for future generations to come.

2 - “Most of us have been conditioned…since armies are legal, we feel war is acceptable; in general, nobody feels war is criminal or that accepting it is criminal attitude. In fact, we have been brainwashed. War is monstrous. It’s very nature is one of tragedy and suffering.- Dali Lama

Today, more than ever, I feel the meaning of this quote! We see the atrocities being committed every single day in Palestine and this has resulted in society almost normalizing war, death and destruction. People justify and even accept its existence, instead of challenging and finding alternative ways to deal with conflicts!   

Honestly, I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and frustration at the world's indifference to the suffering that is taking place across the world. Now, more than ever, I feel a sense of urgency to be an advocate for peace education. It is imperative we teach our youth to question the status quo and resist this notion that war and conflicts are 'acceptable.' Given my personal connection to Palestine, the impact of this current genocide feels deeply personal as I watch the horrors and daily toll it takes on lives and communities in Palestine and Lebanon.

3- “Peace comes from within.  Do not seek it without.” ― Siddhārtha Gautama

This quote reminds us that peace comes from within and if we want to cultivate it we need to do deep reflection within ourselves rather than seeking peace from outside sources. It is easy to believe peace will happen in outside circumstances - believing that if situations improve, peace will follow. However this quote challenges that idea and instead teaches us that inner peace must be developed within ourselves first through mindfulness, reflection and compassion.

I think this quote is especially important and should be taught to our youth. Many young people of today face lots of external pressures, from social media, academic expectations or even global issues that are taking place around them. These pressures may have a very negative impact on them causing them to feel anxious. This quote teaches a valuable lesson in that peace isn't found in material success or in pleasing others, but rather must be cultivated from within.