What would it take to end war? That was a question I was asked yesterday by a close friend. I think it was intended to be politically inclined, but my answer stunned the listeners.
Simply lay down the guns and go home to your families .
War and other imbalances in the human living experience do not end through diplomatic process and negotiations. If that were possible we would have been able to end all war many years ago.
War is a disagreement that has escalated into physical reaction. That disagreement is a matter of thought. If you alter the thinking of every person involved the war could end naturally and immediately.
Let's say there was some natural global event that was about to happen such as an asteroid hitting the earth or a sudden shift in the orbit of the earth. If the impending consequences were so dire that every man, woman and child on this planet were in peril I doubt that any war effort in any geographic location would hold very much importance to the combatants.
They would probably lay their guns down and return to their homes to comfort their family members and ponder their fate. There would be no reason to fight over beliefs or territory when all of mankind is potentially at risk.
Diplomatic process attempts to change the way people think and sometimes it succeeds, but it is usually too little and often too late. The real weakness in that process is that only leaders are in the diplomatic process. Even though they may speak for their armies and people they are not the individual thought of each person. There are usually those supporters who are unmoved and hold to their thoughts of hatred or anger even beyond the temporary accords signed by their leaders.
Sometimes those people break away and begin their own movement based on their unique views, beliefs and interpretations. So the process has a spark and soon is fanned into disagreement and fighting again.
The key is for everyone, all people of this planet to change their thought patterns radically in a unified manner. Only then will war, crime and killing cease in mankind. It is possible to spread out this process, but it would still take some concerted effort on the part of millions of people.
Religion doesn't appear to hold the answer because there are so many religious directions in human society. In fact, many of the wars have been instigated through difference in religious beliefs. It's not the fault of any religion , but again the interpretations and reasoning of man that brings the conflict to a flashpoint.
Even worse are the brave soldiers committed to their people and beliefs who risk their lives even if the war process goes against their principles and values. They must face the time when they may have to compromise their personal standards to follow the directives and orders of their commanders and the needs of the war effort.
Any decision and act by man starts as a thought. Thought patterns are then functionally reasoned and created in actuality. A pattern of thought that supports the acceptance of the concept of war breeds centuries of war in different areas of the globe. Pure thought that is intended to produce a vibrant society and living experience for each person does not. War is not an option and simply doesn't exist.
True empowerment is the ability to help another person to see through the eyes of all mankind and to forever put behind them any thoughts of hatred, harm and killing.
Those involved need a reason to change their pattern of thought. Global warming, climate change and famine don't seem to be enough. The words of global leaders although well intended are not enough. That spark of change must evolve within the individual.
And that is possible. Even those with limited education or comprehensive reasoning can change because thoughts of anger and hatred can be released through will. I can choose to lay down my weapon and walk away even if I don't truly grasp the reason why.
War exists because man has thoughts of and chooses to fight. Peace exists when man has empathetic thoughts of coexistence and cooperation and not disagreement and war.
No matter what comes out of your mouth if you continue to fight you harbor thoughts of fighting and not thoughts and belief in peace .
Mr. Gentry has taken to heart the lessons shared with him over the years by his mentors. He continues to enrich himself through sharing his knowledge and insight with others in the attempt to better society by making even the slightest positive change in his fellow man.
Knowledge is worthless if it is not shared and utilized for positive direction and improvement.