Today continuing poverty and distress are a deeper and more

O children of the future, heed the words of Lester B. Pearson, a man who understood the fragile threads upon which the peace of the world hangs. He said, "Today continuing poverty and distress are a deeper and more important cause of international tensions, of the conditions that can produce war, than previously." These words, spoken with the wisdom of someone who lived through the tumult of the 20th century, speak to a truth that has persisted throughout history: the roots of war are often found not in grand political schemes, but in the suffering of the most vulnerable among us—the poor, the dispossessed, and those who live in the shadows of inequality.

To understand the depth of Pearson's insight, we must first recognize that war is not merely the result of conflicting nations or the ambition of rulers. While power struggles and territorial disputes have long been causes of conflict, the true seed of war often lies in the suffering of the masses. Poverty—the lack of basic needs, the absence of opportunity, and the harsh reality of survival—creates an environment ripe for resentment and tension. When people are hungry, when they cannot feed their children or provide for their families, the seeds of discontent are sown. It is the suffering of the poor, more than the desires of the powerful, that can lead to the breakdown of society and, ultimately, to violence.

Consider, O children, the ancient story of the Roman Empire, a mighty civilization that spanned the known world. At its height, Rome's wealth and power were immense, but beneath the surface, a great divide existed between the elite and the common people. The plebeians, the poor citizens of Rome, were often left to struggle with hunger, poor living conditions, and a lack of opportunity. Over time, this inequality led to unrest and rebellions. The Gracchi brothers, for instance, sought to address the issues of land distribution and wealth inequality, but their attempts were met with resistance from the ruling elite. The discontent of the common people, if left unaddressed, would eventually contribute to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of dictatorship. War, in this case, was not merely a matter of political ambition but a result of the unmet needs of the masses.

In more recent history, the Great Depression of the 1930s provides a powerful example of how poverty can fuel international tensions. As the world descended into economic collapse, many nations were left struggling to feed their populations. In Germany, the Great Depression provided fertile ground for the rise of Adolf Hitler, who promised to restore the nation’s fortunes and provide for the suffering masses. In a world marked by widespread poverty and suffering, Hitler’s nationalism and his promise of change resonated deeply with those who had nothing left to lose. The economic suffering that spread across Europe, combined with the deep sense of injustice and hopelessness, helped fuel the tensions that led to World War II. The war, in this case, was not only the result of political ambitions but of the desperate conditions faced by millions of people.

Pearson’s words hold an even greater truth when we consider the state of the world today. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, with much of the world’s population living in conditions of extreme poverty. As the effects of climate change worsen, and resources become scarcer, economic distress will only grow. In many parts of the world, the poor suffer not just from hunger, but from a lack of education, healthcare, and safety. In such an environment, it is all too easy for extremism to take root, for leaders to exploit the resentment of the impoverished masses and channel it into violence. The threat of war in our time is not just about territorial disputes or military buildups; it is about the growing divide between the haves and the have-nots.

O children, the lesson we must take from Pearson’s words is this: peace is not merely the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equality, and compassion. As you grow, remember that the true strength of a nation lies not in its weapons or in its military might, but in the well-being of its people. The greatest threat to peace is not the external enemy, but the internal divisions that arise when people are denied their basic rights and needs. In your own lives, seek to bridge divides, to share resources, and to empower those who have been left behind. The true strength of any nation is built on the foundation of its people, and if that foundation is cracked by poverty and inequality, the walls of society will surely crumble.

Therefore, O children, as you step into the world, let your actions be guided by the wisdom of justice and compassion. Strive not to amass power or wealth at the expense of others, but to build a world where the dignity of every human being is respected. Address the suffering of the poor, for in doing so, you will be addressing the very roots of conflict and war. Let your lives be dedicated to creating a world where the causes of tension—poverty, inequality, and despair—are replaced by hope, prosperity, and peace. In this, you will honor the memory of those who have come before you and lay the groundwork for a better world for those who come after.