De-escalation of conflict is important in mediation and in society. We can do much simply by treating respectfully those with whom disagree.
It is hard. Often, I want to strike back verbally when I read words that run counter to my sense of justice and decency. However, today’s tweet by the pope reminded me that vitriol is not a tool of successful peacemakers. I gathered some quotations to remind us to take the high road. Here they are.
1. “I encourage everyone to engage in constructive forms of communication that reject prejudice towards others and foster hope and trust today.”
–Pope Francis tweet 5/28/2017
2. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” –Mahatma Gandhi
4. “Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.” – Jorge Luis Borges
5. “The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” – Arab proverb
6. “Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” — Wayne Dyer
7. “We must work to resolve conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation and always keep in mind the interests of others. We cannot destroy our neighbors! We cannot ignore their interests.” – Dalai Lama
8. “Sometimes, it’s better to be kind than to be right. We do not need an intelligent mind that speaks, but a patient heart that listens. You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished for by your anger.” – Buddha.
9. “Watch your thought, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits.” –Laozi
10. “It is so easy to break down and destroy.” The heroes are those who make peace and build. –Nelson Mandela.
11. “Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.” – Song by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller
Let us all be the change we seek.