“They are Man’s and they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance and this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Peace thrives on understanding and dies on ignorance. The Dalai Lama is quite clear on this point: “Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.” Helen Keller declared: “I do not want the peace which passeth understanding; I want the understanding which bringeth peace.” Ralph Waldo Emerson penned: “Peace cannot be achieved through violence; it can only be attained through understanding.”
Understanding is not as easy as it seems especially when we live in a complex, diverse and fast paced world where value systems are being continually challenged. But “lasting peace” is worth the effort.
Lady Budd 
And so it is; worth the effort. I wonder if we need words like these engraved on to our car dashboards, or credit cards, or something widely used, as reminders. Maybe that would be seen as intrusive; but then we don’t complain too much about advertising everywhere, so what harm would a few peaceful words do?
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I think that you are on to something! You notice that I love quotes and the stories of the men and women who gave them to us. The short sentences capture huge concepts that resonate inside me. They focus me on the task at hand. They act as a gentle reminder that says I can choose my attitude. Happy New Year, my dear friend!!
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Awesome!!!
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That is very kind of you to say! What I find awesome is that you stopped by for a visit and joined the discussion! Thank you!!!
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🙂 I’m following your blog through facebook also.. My twin use to log in my account as well… She became a great fan of you… She discusses about your photography talent. ..
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That is very, very kind of you to say! Happy New Year to both you and your twin!!! I am looking forward to our continue dialogue in 2013!!
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wonderful quotes !
look at the beautiful picture of a yellow flower that symbolizes peacefulness, it’s not always in Rose flower but can be in any flower, e.g: Chrysanthemum, Lily,lotus or even in tiny wild flower. They are all symbol of individual in which peace appears with their own understanding.
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What a beautiful analogy!!! Yes, you are so right! And have you noticed that flowers radiate peace, whether they stand alone or join with a choir of their brothers and sisters. The uniqueness of each gives breadth and depth to the song of peace. May it be so for humanity…
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Peace comes with understanding. Perhaps as well as understanding what it takes for world peace, we should understand what it takes to make a peaceful household, family, friendships. I am going to try to be more aware of the needs of those around me. Try to understand their point of view.
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Oh yes!! There have been times that I have felt great anger, resentment and distress! There was no peace in my household that day. I am with you! As we enter the New Year, I will commit anew to “be more aware of the needs of those around me.” Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Looking forward to the journey ahead…
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Amen to that, Rebecca. “The peace that passeth all understanding” was something we learned by rote in chapel, but no-one really tried to explain it. Inner peace is the prize worth pursuing, welcome signposts from the wise along the way.
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Thank you for your visit and heartwarming comments! It seems that the words that we have learned by rote can only be integrated into our lives when we encounter the difficult times! There seems to always be a signpost, a helping hand when needed!
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“A Christmas Carol”–surely one of the most treasured of Classics. It does a person well to read it, or listen to it or watch it every Christmas.
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I agree wholeheartedly! I must confess that I have watched and read a “A Christmas Carol” in mid July. It transcends the seasons! Your visits always give a lift to my day….thank you!!
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You find the best quotations!
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I am a quote hoarder!! I am thankful that we have technology available to organize them properly because my scraps of paper with quotes were all over the place. And now I have discovered Pinterest…a ahh!!!!
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