The cause of peace is too great for us to allow political

"The cause of peace is too great for us to allow political disagreements or partisanship to stand in our way." These words, spoken by Tulsi Gabbard, carry the weight of a profound truth—that the pursuit of peace must transcend the often divisive forces of politics and partisanship. Gabbard speaks to the heart of one of the greatest challenges humanity faces: when differences in ideology and political beliefs become so entrenched that they prevent us from achieving the common good. In a world marked by conflict and division, the cause of peace demands unity, cooperation, and a willingness to set aside our own interests for the benefit of all. Gabbard’s call urges us to remember that the peace we seek is greater than any ideological battle or political struggle.

In ancient times, Athenian democracy stood as an ideal of political unity, even amidst fierce philosophical and political disagreements. Pericles, the great leader of Athens, during the Peloponnesian War, urged the Athenians to rise above personal and political divisions for the good of their city. His famous Funeral Oration called for a unity that placed the welfare of the state above partisan bickering. While Athens was embroiled in internal debates, Pericles knew that the survival and flourishing of the state depended not on the victory of one political faction over another, but on a shared commitment to the greater good. In his eyes, Athenian greatness was rooted in peace—a peace that could only be achieved by placing the well-being of the city-state above personal conflict. Like Gabbard, Pericles understood that the cause of peace was too important to be undermined by partisan squabbles.

Similarly, the Roman Republic faced its own internal divisions, yet its leaders understood that peace and stability could not be achieved through division. The Romans were fiercely loyal to their respective political factions, but in times of external threat, they set aside these differences for the safety and prosperity of Rome. In times of crisis, the Senate and the people of Rome would unite, even if they disagreed on political matters, to protect the greater Republic. Cicero, the great orator, championed the idea of unity in times of need, calling for a commitment to the common good over personal or political interests. This principle, which Gabbard echoes in her quote, emphasizes the understanding that peace requires collaboration, not division.

Gabbard’s call to transcend political disagreements brings to mind the Cold War, when global powers were locked in an ideological struggle between capitalism and communism. Despite the political and ideological chasm that separated the United States and the Soviet Union, moments of cooperation did emerge, driven by the shared recognition of the importance of global peace. One of the greatest examples of this was the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which, despite years of political tension, was signed by both superpowers. The recognition that the cause of peace was greater than any ideological or political victory led to one of the most significant international agreements in history. Here, the political disagreements of the time were put aside for the sake of global stability—a moment of unity in the pursuit of peace.

The lesson of Gabbard’s words is that true peace cannot be achieved through division, nor can it be born from the triumph of one political ideology over another. Peace is the product of unity, of setting aside our individual differences and coming together to work for the common good. The pursuit of peace requires that we focus on shared values—like human dignity, justice, and the well-being of all people—rather than being bogged down by the tribal politics that so often divide us. In our own time, we see the effects of partisanship: nations divided, communities at odds, and progress stalled. Gabbard reminds us that the cause of peace is so important that it must take precedence over any ideological difference, no matter how strong.

To follow Gabbard’s wisdom in our own lives, we must look beyond the immediate divides that separate us—whether in politics, family, or community—and focus on the greater good. Peace is a collective effort, and it is in the moments of greatest challenge that we must rise above partisanship and division. In our personal interactions, we must seek to build understanding, to listen to one another with respect, and to place the common good ahead of our own desires. Whether in political discussions or daily conversations, we can choose to prioritize unity and cooperation over division and competition.

In the pursuit of peace, let us remember that the greater cause is not our own victory, but the victory of the collective human spirit. Just as Pericles called for unity in ancient Athens, and Cicero championed collaboration in Rome, we must work together to create a world where peace is the norm, not the exception. Gabbard’s reminder calls on us to engage with the world through a lens of compassion, to see past the divisive forces that plague our time, and to understand that the cause of peace is far greater than any temporary political gain or partisan victory. We are all stewards of peace, and it is our duty to contribute to that cause with every action, every word, and every decision.