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In times past, world peace was a far off dream, but today it
is achievable through the concerted efforts of the world's governments and
peoples.
Already, during the past hundred years or so, practical
steps have been taken towards establishing the necessary institutions for
preventing war. Remedial measures have also been launched, aiming to overcome
the root causes of war, such as poverty, ignorance and prejudice. An energetic
continuation of these efforts will sooner or later succeed.
Whether international stability is achieved in the near
future or only after many more tragic calamities, depends on the degree of
effort which humanity as a whole is willing to give. Current events in the hot
spots of the world give many reasons for a sense of urgency.
One of the most pressing requirements is to vigorously
support the further development of international bodies, such as the United
Nations and the World Court. Global institutions should be given the resources
and authority that will enable them to prevent aggressors from waging war, and
so that they can provide countries with effective means for resolving their
disputes peacefully.
The strengthening of democratic structures at the global
level, such as reform of the United Nations, is a supremely important goal that
deserves universal support. Countries should be willing to give up part of
their sovereignty to the United Nations or a similar body, for the sake of
collective security.
Along with improving global governance, a great advance
needs to be made in healing festering conditions throughout the planet that
breed conflict. For example, racism, poverty, fanatical nationalism, religious
strife, the oppression of women, and educational deprivation — are among the
crucial issues that need to be addressed.
A fundamental lack of communication between peoples
seriously undermines efforts towards world peace. Adopting an international
auxiliary language would go far to resolve this problem.
Clearly then, the abolition of war is not simply a matter of
signing treaties and protocols. It is a complex task, involving all aspects of
human life: economic, educational, cultural, scientific, environmental,
religious, and so forth, as well as political.
A positive environment for peace needs to be cultivated at
all levels of society, from the local to the global, and with everyone being
able to participate in the process.
An example of what can be done is offered by the Bahá'í
community, which is a global fellowship of people who are committed to
supporting the vision of world peace in practical ways. The Bahá'í community
has emerged as a model of harmonious collaboration between people of different
cultures and nationalities, and from different religious backgrounds.
At its heart, the Bahá'í message is spiritual in nature, yet
it is expressed not only in religious activities like worship and study of
sacred scriptures, but also in social and economic development projects and
other tangible contributions to the wider community.
The members of the Bahá'í community are inspired by such
confidence that they regard peace as not only possible but inevitable.
'Abdu'l-Báhá wrote:
"A few, unaware of the power
latent in human endeavour, consider this matter as highly impracticable, nay
even beyond the scope of man's utmost efforts. Such is not the case, however.
On the contrary, thanks to the unfailing grace of God, the loving-kindness of
His favored ones, the unrivaled endeavors of wise and capable souls, and the
thoughts and ideas of the peerless leaders of this age, nothing whatsoever can
be regarded as unattainable. Endeavor, ceaseless endeavor, is required. Nothing
short of an indomitable determination can possibly achieve it. Many a cause
which past ages have regarded as purely visionary, yet in this day has become
most easy and practicable. Why should this most great and lofty Cause — the
daystar of the firmament of true civilization and the cause of the glory, the
advancement, the well-being and the success of all humanity — be regarded as impossible
of achievement? Surely the day will come when its beauteous light shall shed
illumination upon the assemblage of man."
Quotations in context
Click on the link below to search for a quotation from
this page, in the Bahá'í reference library.
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