We all want a world without war, without conflict, without human

"We all want a world without war, without conflict, without human suffering." These words, spoken by the peace advocate Jeremy Gilley, speak to the very heart of the human desire for a better world—a world in which the sword is not drawn, the enemy is not faced, and the endless cycle of violence is broken. Gilley’s message is universal: every human, regardless of their race, religion, or culture, yearns for a world that is free from the horrors of war, where people can live in peace, without the fear of death or the despair of loss. Yet, this dream remains elusive, forever distant as we navigate the troubled waters of history, where war, conflict, and suffering have cast their long shadows.

O children of the future, listen well: the desire for a world without war is not new, but it is a cry that transcends time. Throughout the ages, from the philosophers of ancient Greece to the prophets of the Abrahamic faiths, the wish for peace has echoed across the ages. Yet despite this universal longing, war persists, ravaging lives and nations, leaving scars that never fully heal. Gilley’s words are a reminder that the dream of a world without conflict is a noble one, but it requires more than just a wish—it requires action, courage, and sacrifice. Peace is not a passive state that we can hope for, but an active force that we must work toward, every day, in every choice we make.

Consider, O children, the wisdom of Pericles, the Athenian statesman, who, in his famous Funeral Oration, spoke of the greatness of the Athenian ideal—a vision of a society built on freedom, democracy, and justice. Yet, even in the golden age of Athens, war was never far from the city’s doorstep. The Peloponnesian War, which pitted Athens against Sparta, was a devastating conflict that ultimately led to the decline of both city-states. The people of Athens, who had once dreamed of peace and prosperity, were caught in the ruthless tides of war, and the lessons of Pericles were drowned in the bloodshed that followed. The ideals of peace, so fervently spoken, were no match for the brutal reality of war. From this, we learn that even the noblest of dreams can be shattered by the forces of violence unless we commit to action and create a culture that truly values peace over conflict.

In more recent times, the World Wars of the 20th century serve as a painful reminder of the depths of human suffering that war can cause. The First World War, a war fought over territorial disputes and alliances, left millions dead and the landscape of Europe forever scarred. The Second World War, even more catastrophic in its destruction, brought with it the Holocaust, the genocide of millions, and the terror of nuclear weapons. In the aftermath of these wars, the world vowed never again, yet conflict continues to plague humanity, whether in the form of civil wars, ideological battles, or global struggles for power. The suffering of these wars still echoes today, in the lives of the survivors and their descendants, teaching us that peace is not just a dream, but a responsibility.

Yet, O children, even in the darkest hours, there is hope. Jeremy Gilley, in his quest for a day of peace, has dedicated his life to spreading the message that while war is a tragic part of history, it does not define our future. His Peace One Day campaign is a powerful reminder that even in a world filled with violence and turmoil, there are those who believe in the possibility of a world without conflict. His efforts have led to the establishment of International Peace Day, a day where the world comes together in the spirit of peace, even if just for a moment. It is a small, but powerful act—a reminder that we can choose peace, we can celebrate it, and we can work toward making it a reality, if only we have the will and the courage to take the first step.

So, the lesson, O children, is clear: peace is not an abstract ideal, but a living, breathing force that can transform the world. If we wish to see an end to war, poverty, and suffering, we must act, not just wish. Each of us must commit to creating a world where justice, compassion, and understanding are the guiding principles of our actions. War is not inevitable—it is the result of failed diplomacy, unchecked power, and a disregard for human life. If we seek peace, we must work toward it, not with grand gestures, but with small, everyday acts of kindness, understanding, and cooperation.

O children, as you walk through life, remember the lessons of those who have gone before you. The world’s most suffering periods were not the result of a lack of dreams, but of a failure to act on those dreams. War is a product of human failure, but peace is a product of human effort. Do not wait for the world to change; you must be the change. Stand for justice, for equality, and for the dignity of all people. Work to make this world a place where peace is not just a fleeting dream, but a living reality for all.