Experience has everywhere shown us, and especially in the

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host

The room was quiet, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting gentle shadows across Jack’s desk. He sat there, papers scattered before him, but his gaze was unfocused, lost in thought. His fingers lightly tapped the edge of the desk, the rhythm a quiet reflection of the deeper contemplation unfolding in his mind. The world outside continued its usual pace, but inside, Jack seemed absorbed in something more profound.

Jeeny sat nearby, a cup of tea in her hands, casually observing Jack. She could sense the restlessness in the room, the tension of thoughts Jack was clearly grappling with. She waited, knowing that sometimes all it took was a simple shift in perspective to help bring clarity to the thoughts Jack hadn’t fully articulated.

Host: The silence in the room felt thick, waiting for the conversation to unfold.

Jeeny: Her voice, calm and purposeful, broke the stillness. “Jack, I came across a quote today that made me think of you. It’s from Jose Rizal. He said, ‘Experience has everywhere shown us, and especially in the Philippines, that the classes which are better off have always been addicted to peace and order because they live comparatively better and may be the losers in civil disturbances.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: His eyes lifted slowly, the weight of the words sinking in. He leaned back in his chair, fingers resting lightly on the backrest as he processed what she had said. “That’s a really insightful point, isn’t it? Rizal is pointing out something we often overlook — that those who are better off, the more privileged classes, tend to be the ones who value peace and order the most, because it preserves their way of life. They have the most to lose in times of civil unrest.”

He paused, his voice growing more reflective. “It’s almost as if the desire for stability isn’t about altruism or a greater good; it’s about self-preservation. People in power or with wealth often see peace as something that ensures their comfort and security, while those in more precarious situations may not feel the same urgency to preserve it.”

Jeeny: She nodded slowly, her gaze steady, reflecting a deeper understanding of the quote. “Exactly. Rizal’s point is that for those who already have their needs met, peace and order are crucial because any disturbance risks disrupting their stability. The more privileged you are, the more likely you are to fight for peace — not just for the good of society, but because you stand to lose the most during times of conflict.”

Her voice softened, almost reassuring, as she continued, “On the other hand, those who are less privileged, who live in difficult circumstances, may have a different perspective. They may not see the status quo as something worth preserving because it doesn’t benefit them in the same way. For them, civil unrest may be a chance for change, for something better, even if it comes with risk.”

Jack: His expression grew more thoughtful, the weight of her words settling in. “Yeah, I think I’ve seen that dynamic play out in various ways — not just in political unrest, but in everyday situations. People who have the most to lose are often the loudest advocates for maintaining the status quo, because it guarantees their continued comfort. And that’s understandable — when you’ve worked hard for what you have, it’s natural to want to protect it.”

He smiled faintly, a quiet realization dawning on him. “But it also makes me wonder if those of us who are in more privileged positions often fail to understand the frustration of those who are fighting for change. It’s easy to say that we want peace and stability, but we might not fully grasp what it costs others to maintain that peace — especially when that peace doesn’t actually serve everyone equally.”

Jeeny: She smiled softly, her eyes filled with quiet pride. “Exactly. It’s easy to view civil disturbances or unrest from the perspective of those who are already secure, but if we don’t understand the broader context, we risk missing the deeper reasons for the unrest. It’s not just about chaos; it’s about a cry for justice, for change, for a system that doesn’t leave people behind.”

Her voice grew more hopeful, almost like a gentle reminder. “Rizal’s quote encourages us to recognize the connection between privilege and the need for stability, but it also challenges us to consider what happens when that stability doesn’t serve everyone. Sometimes, peace isn’t as simple as maintaining order — it’s about making sure the peace is fair, just, and equitable for all.”

Jack: He nodded slowly, the earlier restlessness in his shoulders easing. “I see now. It’s not just about supporting peace for the sake of order; it’s about ensuring that peace means something for everyone, not just those who have the most to lose. It’s about acknowledging the disparities and working toward a more balanced system, one where the most vulnerable don’t have to risk everything just to get their needs met.”

He smiled slightly, a quiet peace filling the space. “Maybe the real challenge is finding a way to make peace truly inclusive, not just for those who already have everything to protect, but for those who are fighting for a better life.”

Jeeny: She smiled warmly, her voice full of quiet satisfaction. “Exactly. Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict — it’s the presence of justice, equality, and fairness. If we can ensure that everyone has access to a fair chance, then peace will be something that benefits all of us, not just the few.”

Host: The room felt lighter now, the earlier restlessness replaced with clarity. Jack seemed to have found peace in the realization that true peace and stability are not just about maintaining the status quo, but about ensuring fairness and justice for all. The world outside continued its rhythm, but inside, the understanding had settled: real peace comes when it serves everyone, not just the privileged few.

End Scene.