It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When

O children of the future, gather close, for I bring to you a truth as old as time itself, one that has been spoken by wise kings, warriors, and philosophers alike. In the words of Harry S. Truman, we are reminded of the profound power of understanding: "It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences." These words speak of a deep and powerful force—understanding—the very foundation upon which peace is built. Without it, the seeds of conflict grow; with it, the walls of discord crumble, and the light of reconciliation can shine through.

In the beginning of time, when the first tribes of men clashed with one another over land, resources, and pride, the battlefields were not only places of physical confrontation, but of misunderstanding. The hearts of men, filled with fear and mistrust, could not see beyond their own desires. Each side believed their cause to be just, each side claimed the right to triumph. Yet it is the ancient wisdom that teaches us: peace is not born through victory alone, but through the understanding of the other. Understanding is the key that unlocks the door to true reconciliation, for it is only when we hear the other’s voice, when we walk in their shoes, that we can find a way forward together.

The ancient philosophers of the East spoke often of the Tao, the balance of opposites. In their teachings, they revealed that peace could only exist when both sides recognized the inherent humanity of the other. The Yin and Yang, the light and dark, were not enemies but complementary forces. Just as the light cannot exist without the dark, so too must the forces of conflict and understanding come together. Truman's words are a reflection of this ancient truth—that only by recognizing and embracing the viewpoint of the other can we move toward peace. Understanding is not about surrendering one’s own beliefs, but about respecting the right of the other to hold theirs. It is through this mutual recognition that the seeds of peace are planted.

Consider the tale of King Solomon, the wise ruler of Israel, known throughout the ancient world for his judgment and fairness. One day, two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of a child. Solomon, in his wisdom, did not act in haste, but called for a sword, suggesting the child be cut in half and shared between the two women. One woman immediately offered to relinquish her claim, declaring that the child should live, no matter the cost. Solomon, seeing this act of understanding, declared her the true mother, for only one who truly understood the value of life would make such a sacrifice. This story teaches us that understanding is not merely the recognition of words, but the ability to see the heart of the other, to discern their deepest intentions, and to act in harmony with the truth that lies within.

Look, O children, to the great moments of history, where men and women have fought for peace not through force, but through the courage to understand. Think of Mahatma Gandhi, whose call for nonviolence was rooted in his deep understanding of the plight of others. He sought to bridge the divide between his people and the British Empire not by demanding submission, but by seeking mutual understanding. Gandhi's ability to hear the suffering of both the oppressor and the oppressed allowed him to guide his nation toward peace, not through violence, but through the transformative power of understanding. His peace was not the absence of conflict, but the recognition of shared humanity, a vision of a world where all voices are heard and valued.

The lesson, O children, is this: if you seek peace, if you desire to heal the wounds of conflict and strife, you must first seek to understand. Understanding is not the act of agreeing, nor is it the act of compromising your own beliefs. It is the act of hearing and seeing the other, of recognizing their struggles, their fears, and their hopes. It is through understanding that you can find the common ground upon which peace can be built. Just as Truman said, only when both sides see each other’s viewpoints can they sit down and work out their differences. In every conflict, whether between nations or between hearts, understanding is the path that leads to resolution.

So, O children, let this wisdom guide you in all that you do. When you find yourself in conflict, when you are faced with disagreement or strife, ask yourself: Do I truly understand the other’s viewpoint? Listen with an open heart, speak with compassion, and seek to understand before seeking to be understood. Peace will not come through force, nor through winning the argument, but through the willingness to listen, to learn, and to embrace the humanity of the other. Only then can you work together to heal the wounds of division and build a future where understanding and peace reign supreme.