No one can find inner peace except by working, not in a self-

In the words of Peace Pilgrim, "No one can find inner peace except by working, not in a self-centered way, but for the whole human family." These words are a profound invitation to step beyond the narrow confines of individual desire and to recognize that true peace does not come from selfish pursuits, but from selfless service. Peace Pilgrim calls us to understand that inner peace is not a commodity that can be hoarded or sought for its own sake, but a byproduct of living for something larger than ourselves—the collective good of all humankind. This is the ancient truth that to find true peace, we must first understand our place within the greater tapestry of humanity, and act in service of that larger whole.

In the teachings of the ancient Greeks, particularly the philosopher Aristotle, we learn that virtue and peace are not achieved in isolation but through the practice of service to the community. Aristotle believed that a truly fulfilled and virtuous life was one in which an individual contributed to the common good, and in doing so, achieved a state of balance and harmony within themselves. The Greeks, through their philosophy, arts, and democracy, understood that human flourishing is intertwined with the flourishing of society. Peace Pilgrim echoes this idea when she says that true peace is achieved not through self-interest, but through selflessness and a life lived in service to others.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, whose very existence was dedicated to the service of all people, irrespective of race, religion, or nation. Gandhi’s inner peace came not from retreating into solitude or seeking personal comfort, but from devotion to a cause that was greater than himself—the cause of freedom, equality, and justice for all people. His famous words, "Be the change you wish to see in the world", reflect the very essence of what Peace Pilgrim teaches: that true peace comes when we work for the whole human family, when we dedicate our lives to the well-being of others rather than to our own desires or comforts. Gandhi’s life was a testament to the fact that inner peace is not something to be sought for its own sake, but something that arises naturally when we live for a purpose that transcends ourselves.

The example of Mother Teresa provides another illustration of this timeless wisdom. Mother Teresa, who spent her life serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, did not seek peace through personal retreat, but through constant service to others. Her work was a constant reminder that true peace is born out of compassion, humility, and the willingness to devote oneself to the well-being of the suffering. It is through selfless action that she found peace—not in comfort, but in her tireless work to alleviate the pain of others. Mother Teresa’s inner peace was deeply rooted in her understanding that by serving the whole human family, she was serving the divine, and in doing so, she experienced a profound and lasting peace.

The lesson Peace Pilgrim imparts to us is one of selflessness and connection. True peace, she suggests, is not an individual pursuit, but a communal experience. We cannot find peace if we are constantly focused on our own needs or desires. It is only through working for the greater good—through acts of kindness, love, and service—that we align ourselves with the universal truths of humanity and create the conditions for inner peace. By putting the needs of the whole human family before our own, we move beyond the selfishness that isolates us, and we begin to tap into the deep well of peace that resides in the interconnectedness of all people.

In our own lives, we are called to move beyond self-centeredness and to serve others with humility and love. Whether it is through small acts of kindness in our daily lives, or larger acts of service within our communities, we must seek to contribute to the well-being of others. Peace Pilgrim’s words ask us to reflect on how we are living and to consider how our lives can be devoted not to personal gain, but to the common good. Only through this shift in focus can we experience the peace that we so often seek, for true peace is found not in acquiring, but in giving.

Let us then take Peace Pilgrim’s wisdom to heart. Let us seek inner peace not through withdrawal from the world, but by engaging deeply in it with love and compassion. Let our actions be guided by a deep sense of service to others, understanding that in serving the whole human family, we find our own fulfillment and peace. Peace is not a solitary pursuit; it is a collective endeavor, where we are all linked in a web of mutual care and respect. When we dedicate our lives to the greater good, we unlock the peace that has always been within us, waiting to be shared with the world.