We can all agree that peace is important. There are, however, objective differences as to the true meaning of the term. For some, it means the absence of violence or war, but for others it is understood as a serene and calm state of mind, living in harmony and tranquillity.
These meanings of the word peace, in fact, are complementary and function at different levels of the social complex, according to the framework created by the religious beliefs, social theories or other superstructures that are prevalent in each society.
Peace can be defined in binary language (it does or does not exist) or in terms of continuous adaptive processes. It can be empirical and abstract or more specifically legislated by international rules, such as peace treaties.
Within this range of meanings, however, peace tends to be found in harmony with concepts such as justice, freedom and equality. And it positions itself in opposition to other concepts such as violence, abuses of power and social conflicts.
Peace is thus part of the fabric that links human relationships all around the world. And the multiple scope of its meanings is defined by the relationship it maintains with other divisive themes – positive and negative −, in each historical moment and in each society.
We are all eager to achieve a state of security and calmness that emerges in the absence of conflict. And it is a paradox that we still retain that universal eagerness in today's war-torn world. Without peace, it will not be possible to achieve the levels of trust, cooperation and inclusion necessary for societies to face natural disasters arm in arm, to resolve their disputes and adapt to environmental changes, prioritising harmony and freedom.
The true secret for us to achieve peace is to create a community that respects others and is tolerant and inclusive, one that does not allow behaviour such as discrimination, intolerance of differences or violation of the social rules of coexistence.
For all these reasons, peace has always been among the highest values of humanity, and for some is even the greatest value of all.
