Cold Quote by Thomas Merton
“Perhaps peace is not, after all, something you work for, or 'fight for.' It is indeed 'fighting for peace' that starts all the wars. What, after all, are the pretexts of all these Cold War crises, but 'fighting for peace?' Peace is something you have or do not have. If you are yourself at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: No Peace Without Justice, Thomas Merton, 1965
Peace is paradoxical; seeking it through conflict creates more war, while inner calm can spread outward.
In simple terms: Peace comes from inner calm, not fighting.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner peace to influence others.
Themes
peace
paradox
conflict
inner calm
social influence
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- conflict resolution workshops
- community building
- leadership training
Key Concepts
nonviolence
spirituality
psychology
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster inner peace in daily life?
- What societal structures hinder collective peace?
A Different Perspective
Peace cannot be imposed by force; it requires personal transformation.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
