Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the

"Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the world be made better. No peace even though temporarily obtained, will be permanent, whether to individuals or nations, unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles." These powerful words spoken by David O. McKay resonate through the corridors of time, as a clarion call for humanity to seek not mere peace, but a peace founded upon principles that transcend the fleeting whims of circumstance. In this truth, McKay reveals a deep wisdom: peace cannot be achieved through temporary measures, through treaties signed in haste or agreements born of mere convenience. True and lasting peace is forged only through the desire for brotherhood, and it is rooted in principles that stand the test of time.

The ancients, in their pursuit of wisdom, understood the fragility of peace. For the Greeks, peace was not an absence of war, but a state of harmony and balance that required the cooperation of individuals and states alike. They believed that peace could only flourish where the principles of justice, truth, and respect were upheld by all. This is the lesson that McKay imparts: peace is not a commodity to be bought or temporarily achieved through force or coercion, but a sacred bond that requires the highest ideals of human dignity and unity. Without these eternal principles, no peace, no matter how glorious it may seem, will endure.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, whose empire stretched across the known world in an unrelenting tide of conquest. In his pursuit of peace, he sought to unite nations through military strength, but what was achieved was never lasting. The empire he built crumbled after his death, for the peace he imposed was not built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles. It was a peace held together by the chains of power, and when the chains weakened, so too did the peace. The truth, as McKay teaches us, is that peace cannot be sustained by force alone—it must be rooted in brotherhood and shared respect for principles that endure beyond the changing tides of power.

In stark contrast to Alexander’s short-lived empire, we have the example of Mahatma Gandhi, whose vision of peace was grounded in non-violence and the eternal principles of truth and justice. Gandhi’s efforts to free India from colonial rule were not based on military conquest or temporary pacts, but on the unwavering belief that lasting peace could only come from the brotherhood of all people, transcending the boundaries of race, religion, and nation. His victory was not won with the sword, but with the strength of principle. Through his example, we see that peace, when built upon the bedrock of eternal truths, has the power to endure through even the greatest trials.

McKay's words remind us that peace cannot be achieved merely by the absence of conflict or the suppression of differences. True peace arises when the desire for brotherhood and understanding becomes the guiding force of our actions. It is not a fleeting moment of tranquility, but a state of being—a reflection of the higher principles that we hold dear. The desire for peace must burn within us like a sacred flame, and it is the principles of compassion, justice, and love that ensure that flame never falters.

In our own lives, McKay’s wisdom offers a profound challenge. Peace is not a passive state, but an active pursuit. To seek true peace, we must first cultivate brotherhood in our hearts—recognizing that we are all interconnected, all bound by a common humanity. We must strive to live by the principles of integrity, honor, and respect for others. In our communities, in our relationships, and even in our nations, we must build peace on these unshakeable foundations. Only when we do so will we begin to see a world where peace is not just a temporary reprieve from conflict, but a lasting and transformative force.

Let us then carry McKay's wisdom forward, knowing that the pursuit of peace is not a one-time effort, but a lifelong commitment to living in harmony with others, grounded in principles that are both eternal and universal. In every action, every word, every decision, we must ask ourselves: does this contribute to brotherhood? Does this uphold the principles that will sustain true peace? As we answer these questions, we become the architects of a world that, built upon eternal truths, will not only know peace, but will flourish in its embrace for generations to come.