I believe if religion brings you to a sense of peace, that's

"I believe if religion brings you to a sense of peace, that's beautiful. But I also believe if religion's not your thing, that's fine, too, just so long as you're a good person and you find that one thing that leads you to peace and teaches you to have harmony with yourself and other people around you." These words from Michelle Phan offer a gentle and powerful reflection on the nature of faith and peace. She acknowledges that religion, in its many forms, can be a source of tranquility, a path to understanding the self and the world around us. Yet, she also recognizes that not everyone may find solace in religion, and that peace can be found through various means, so long as the end result is a life led with goodness and harmony.

In the ancient world, the search for peace was central to the teachings of the great philosophers. Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, spoke of virtue as the key to a peaceful life. For him, true peace came from understanding the self and living a life in accordance with reason and justice. His words, “Know thyself,” were an invitation to look inward, to cultivate inner harmony, and to strive for goodness in all aspects of life. Socrates did not require the worship of gods or the adherence to rituals, but believed that peace came from the cultivation of a virtuous life—one that valued wisdom, self-control, and moral integrity. In this sense, his philosophy aligned with Phan’s sentiment that peace can be found outside the strict confines of religion, through the pursuit of goodness and understanding.

Similarly, the Buddha, in his teachings, emphasized the path to inner peace through understanding the nature of suffering and the pursuit of compassion. Buddhism does not demand worship of a deity but calls for individuals to follow the Eightfold Path—a guide to ethical living, right intention, and mental clarity. The Buddha taught that peace comes not from external rituals but from the inner transformation of the self. He believed that by cultivating compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness, individuals could live in harmony with themselves and the world. Like Phan, the Buddha recognized that peace is something that transcends religion; it is found in the way we live and relate to others.

The life of Mahatma Gandhi offers another example of how peace can be cultivated through principles that transcend religious dogma. Gandhi, a devout Hindu, spoke of the need to live in harmony with all people, regardless of their religion. His belief in ahimsa, or non-violence, guided his actions not only in his personal life but in his efforts to bring about social change in India. Gandhi’s ability to find peace through his deep spiritual beliefs, while also emphasizing that all people, regardless of faith, could join together in the pursuit of justice and compassion, mirrors Phan’s message. Goodness, peace, and harmony are the universal values that transcend the boundaries of religion.

Yet, Michelle Phan’s message also speaks to those who may not find meaning in organized religion but still seek peace in their lives. In the modern world, secular humanism offers a path to understanding that focuses on human reason, ethics, and justice, rather than divine authority. It teaches that peace is achieved through understanding our shared humanity and striving for moral goodness. Figures like Albert Einstein, who was deeply curious about the mysteries of the universe, also embraced a form of spirituality that did not adhere to traditional religious structures but sought harmony through a deep appreciation of the laws of nature and the moral imperative to treat others with respect and dignity. For Einstein and many others, peace and harmony with oneself and the world were born from the cultivation of compassion and intellect rather than religious observance.

The lesson Phan imparts is simple yet profound: whether through religion or other means, peace is something we must each seek in our own way. It is not about conforming to a particular set of beliefs, but about finding that which brings us inner harmony and allows us to treat others with kindness, respect, and understanding. Religion can be a beautiful tool for many in this pursuit, but for those who do not find solace in it, the path to peace may lie elsewhere—in philosophy, in mindfulness, or in human connection.

For each of us, the key is to cultivate goodness in our lives and in the world around us. Let us find that which leads us to peace—whether it be a deep faith in religion, a commitment to ethical living, or a profound connection with others—and use it to shape our lives and our interactions. Peace is not a distant goal but a journey that starts with intention, reflection, and action. Like Socrates, Buddha, Gandhi, or Einstein, we must strive for harmony within ourselves and with those around us, creating a world where goodness, compassion, and peace are not only possible but inevitable.