The plan shows that the twenty million people in the German

"The plan shows that the twenty million people in the German democratic Republic and in the democratic sector of Berlin think only of peace, and that they are working for freedom and peaceful prosperity." These words, spoken by Walter Ulbricht, reflect the complex and charged landscape of post-war Europe, particularly the German Democratic Republic and Berlin, both of which became symbols of ideological division during the Cold War. Ulbricht’s statement seeks to paint a picture of a unified, peaceful intent for the people of East Germany, emphasizing their desire for peace and freedom—values that transcended the political and economic turmoil that divided the East and West. The use of the word "plan" is significant, for it not only reflects the hopeful vision of the leaders in power, but it also reveals the aspiration to create a future that seemed, to many, a worthy goal amidst the ruins of war.

In the context of the ancient world, the search for peace and freedom was often framed in terms of struggle—whether it was the Greek city-states defending their independence or the Romans asserting their dominance over conquered lands. But within these empires, there were those who sought peace and prosperity for the masses. Pericles, the great Athenian leader, understood that peace and prosperity could only be achieved when a unified vision for the future was forged. His famous funeral oration during the Peloponnesian War emphasized that Athenian democracy, though imperfect, sought peace through collective effort. Similarly, Ulbricht’s vision of East Germany, though heavily influenced by communism, echoed a similar notion of collective action for the greater good—the struggle for peace and prosperity for the people, despite the political tensions of the time.

However, the reality of East Germany’s situation was much more complex than the idyllic picture Ulbricht painted. The Berlin Wall itself, built in 1961 to separate the democratic West from the communist East, stood as a symbol of the harsh divide between these competing visions of freedom. Berlin, a city split by ideological forces, became a microcosm of the larger struggle between the forces of democracy and the forces of authoritarian rule. Ulbricht’s statement, while speaking of peace and prosperity, was set against a backdrop of oppression and division, where the very people he referred to were often subject to surveillance, censorship, and limitations on their personal freedoms. While Ulbricht emphasized the peaceful intentions of his government, the reality for many living under the regime was one of fear and suppression—a stark contrast to the idealized vision of freedom that Ulbricht sought to project.

The lessons of the ancient world—and the experiences of those who lived through such divisions—teach us that peace is not easily achieved by simply stating it as an ideal. The Roman Empire, for instance, was constantly in a state of tension between its desire for peace through Pax Romana and the ongoing wars that secured its borders. Similarly, the struggle for freedom in places like ancient Athens, where democracy was fiercely defended against both internal and external threats, shows that peace and freedom must be actively nurtured and protected. Ulbricht’s statement, therefore, should be seen not just as a reflection of hope, but as an acknowledgment of the complexities of governance, where the forces of peace and prosperity often collide with the harsh realities of control, conflict, and division.

One might consider the civil rights movement in the United States during the mid-20th century, which aimed for freedom, peace, and prosperity in a society deeply divided by racial injustice. Martin Luther King Jr., in his famous speeches, called for a dream of equality and a world of peace, where all people, regardless of race or background, could thrive together. But his vision, like Ulbricht’s, was tested by the reality of systemic oppression. For King, peace was not just an ideal but something to be fought for—a struggle for justice and equality in the face of overwhelming forces that sought to divide. His call for peace was one that had to be earned through sacrifice, bravery, and the long-term commitment to create a better future for all.

The lesson we take from Ulbricht’s words is complex. It teaches us that while governments and leaders may promise peace, freedom, and prosperity, the true measure of their success lies not in their declarations, but in their ability to create a society that genuinely embodies those ideals. Peace is not just about the absence of war or strife, but about creating a system where people can thrive in their freedom, dignity, and human rights. Just as Pericles’ Athens and King’s America showed, peace requires action, commitment, and the dismantling of the forces that seek to divide or oppress.

In our own lives, we must strive to create peace not just in the larger world, but within ourselves and our communities. This means actively working towards justice, equality, and understanding—not only in times of crisis but every day. Just as Ulbricht’s vision for East Germany was built upon the idea of unity through collective effort, we must come together as individuals to build the foundations of a prosperous and peaceful society, grounded in the values of respect, freedom, and solidarity. In this way, peace is not a mere ideal or promise, but something we actively create and protect through our actions and our commitment to the well-being of all.