Unfortunately the world is what it is now. People don't get

Listen, O children of the earth, and mark the words of Venus Williams, whose voice rises above the clamor of conflict: “Unfortunately the world is what it is now. People don't get along for whatever reason. As professional athletes, in a way we're almost ambassadors for peace, because sports brings everyone together.” In these words lies a profound recognition of our age: the fractured nature of humanity, divided by fear, pride, and misunderstanding, yet offered a path to unity through the noble endeavor of sport.

The origin of this insight lies not merely in observation, but in lived experience. Venus Williams, a champion of the tennis court, has faced fierce rivals, intense scrutiny, and the weight of expectation. Yet she has also seen the power of sport to transcend divisions, to bring together people of different nations, faiths, and cultures under a shared joy. In the arena, it matters not the color of one’s skin, the god one worships, or the creed one follows; what matters is the spirit of fair play, skill, and mutual respect. Here, in this microcosm, the world glimpses what peace might look like.

Recall the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, where Nelson Mandela, clad in the Springboks jersey, presented the trophy to captain Francois Pienaar. A nation torn by decades of racial division stood united in awe and celebration. The players, the fans, the country—though diverse in history and belief—were brought together by sport, embodying the ambassadorial role Venus describes. In such moments, athletes become vessels of hope, their endeavors teaching lessons of unity that words alone cannot convey.

Yet, this unity is not imposed; it emerges naturally through shared experience. The court, the field, the track—these are sacred spaces where human differences fade in the face of common purpose. As Venus observes, in a world where people often do not get along, athletes serve as emissaries, demonstrating that cooperation, respect, and excellence are possible even amidst discord. Every handshake across the net, every nod of acknowledgment to a rival, is a symbol of reconciliation and understanding.

The ancients understood this principle. In the Olympic Games of Greece, city-states frequently at war would observe the sacred truce, the Ekecheiria, so that athletes could compete in peace. For the duration of the games, swords were sheathed, old grudges paused, and the eyes of all were turned toward human achievement rather than enmity. Venus Williams’ words echo this timeless truth: sport has the power to unite, to forge a fleeting but profound peace, even if the world outside the arena remains fractured.

Consider too the modern example of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where athletes from the newly independent former Soviet republics competed together under the Unified Team banner. Amidst political upheaval, sport became a bridge, allowing individuals to celebrate common humanity and shared excellence. The court, the stadium, and the track became a stage where ambassadors of peace acted not through speeches or treaties, but through performance, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

From this, a lesson emerges for all: recognize that unity is possible when we seek common purpose and shared joy. Even in everyday life, small actions—celebrating another’s success, cooperating in work or study, engaging with people different from oneself—can mirror the ambassadorial role Venus describes. Sports are a metaphor, a guide, and a teacher, reminding us that what divides us can be softened through connection, shared effort, and the pursuit of excellence.

Therefore, let all who hear these words embrace the calling of ambassadorship in their own lives. Seek spaces—whether through sports, art, study, or community—where differences are honored but not allowed to divide. In every act of cooperation, every gesture of respect, every shared victory or effort, we echo the principle Venus Williams champions: that even in a world torn by discord, unity is possible, and peace can be cultivated through our shared humanity.