If We Just See What They See
Peace according to
by
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Humankind is, at present, reaching a critical point in its history. The very survival of what is called civilization is at stake. A disaster of apocalyptic proportions could erupt at any time. Albert Einstein saw its gravity when he said, “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
Indeed, it is puzzling to realize that the twentieth century that was supposed to be the most “civilized” century was by far the most violent and the bloodiest century in human history. Moreover, the potential for even more horrendous violence is there, and the chances for a world going to pieces seem to be increasing because humankind, consciously or unconsciously, continues to resist peacemaking solutions. A Chinese proverb said it well, “If [we] do not change direction, [we] are most likely to end up where [we] are going.” Only people of denial believe that they can have different results by doing the same thing again and again.
So, at this stage in our evolution, we need to find a new direction that offers hope to all humanity. Guidance and inspiration can be found in the thoughts and actions of well-known figures such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Merton, Pope John XXIII, Thich Nhat Hanh, Mahatma Gandhi, Teilhard de Chardin, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and others.
These visionary architects of human development offer hope and answers to us who strive for peace in our personal lives and in our relationships with others. They sketch pathways for making this world a better place to live. By calling all humanity to new ways of thinking and new experiences that go far beyond the kind of life that is possible at the level of just the superficial and the self-centered existence, they bring the vision of peace—a prophetic solution—to the forefront of our individual and collective consciousness. Their unique insights could very well be the cornerstone for a new level of understanding and behavior that will benefit every one of us in this twenty-first century.
We all know that ideas have consequences and the way we live our lives is the consequence of our ideas. A life of peace or a life of war is first an idea, then a process. The human story should be, not the story of war process, but the story of peace process. To switch to this new attitude, a radical change in our way of thinking must take place.
In this endeavor, such visionaries provide the necessary light and reliable guidance for humankind.
Let us look, with open minds, at the challenging ideas and experiences of these giants, ponder the nuances of their convictions, and see how they tried to break down the barriers of resistance and hostility expressed concretely in our inhumanity to one another. Let us see how they overcame destructive partisanships and prejudices by appreciating the gift of the uniqueness and universality of others. Let us do that candidly, objectively, impartially, and without a prejudgment of any kind. Let us do it just the way they, themselves, did it—by transcending biases effected by ideological interpretations of holy books, distorted understandings of religion, and chauvinistic conceptions of ethnicity and culture. And this is what you will find in this book, which is based on biographical facts and the “in their own words” approach, and not on personal opinion. This is not a book of personal opinion.
My hope is that readers will come to delight in the company of these great masters who are here sharing their teachings in their own words, to appreciate the high standard they set before us, and to conclude that what they have heard could very well be a basic tool for a practical program that leads to a real change in thinking and attitude. Peace starts with a change of thinking of one person, then another, then another…. Peace is a process that will change the world one soul at a time, starting with one’s own, for as Thomas Merton said, “We cannot make peace with others unless we are at peace with ourselves,” or also Thich Nhat Hanh, “We know that when we have peace and joy in ourselves, our peace and joy vibrates throughout the cosmos.”
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About the Book
Why do we keep talking about peace, and never seem to have peace? Why does violence tend to captivate our attention more than peace does? What is the real cause of violence? Who/what/where is our “enemy”? Why do we fight the symptoms instead of the malady? Are there new ways of thinking and living that lead to a new world order and a brighter future?
To such questions and to many more, this book has answers. They are the challenging answers of Albert Einstein, Thomas Merton, Pope John XXIII, Thick Nhat Hanh, Mahatma Gandhi, Teilhard de Chardin, and Mother Teresa of
The seven semi-scholarly essays of this book are gathered under one title: If We Just See What They Saw. Each essay directly connects the reader to these visionary architects of human development—one at a time. This profound interaction with them will allow readers to insightfully choose a better way of thinking and living in the context of our today’s changing world. There should be another way. Otherwise, “If [we] do not change direction,” as a Chinese proverb says, “[we] are most likely to end up where [we] are going”—to self-destruction.
This book is not just another book on peace, and has nothing to do with any one particular war or any one particular aspect of violence—any aspect of violence is a symptom not the malady. The real battlefield is not in the symptoms, but as Teilhard de Chardin saw it, “in man’s mind and soul.” And this is where the real battle takes place initially, and this is where it should end.
Aiming at reaching the objective scholarly truth by transcending ideologies, political parties, nations, religious beliefs, circumstances, places, times, and particular individuals, this book constitutes an invitation to change the way we perceive reality so that a new way of living—living the full truth and the fullness of life—can emerge. Only then will a brighter future develop. And if we are not willing to change our perception, our world will mirror our “old selves” and collective consciousness, and chances are that we will all perish together.
About the Author
Dr. Jean Maalouf has spent tireless years studying philosophy, theology, psychology, comparative religions, philosophy of religion, mysticism in world religions, sciences, anthropology, literature, and history. These years of intense learning were crowned by two doctorates of Philosophy and Religious Studies from
Philosopher Maalouf stands for the values that enhance spiritual growth, foster human development, and promote the dignity of every person. He finds inspiration for his life and work in what is called “incarnational spirituality” or ”existential spirituality” or ”integration spirituality,” with the belief that spiritual life is not separate from our ordinary human life because it is, in its very essence, the radiance of the human-divine integration. He wrote and edited more than twenty books including the bestseller Experiencing Jesus with Mother Teresa, the Spiritual Book Associates selection book Bold Prayers from the Heart, and “The Healing Power Series.” He also wrote numerous articles on spiritual, educational, philosophical, and social issues for several journals and magazines including Spiritual Life, Spirit & Life, Celebration, Praying, Teilhard Perspective, Peace Research Reviews (Canada), Revue des Sciences Philosophiques et Théologiques (Paris), National Herald (New Delhi), and others.
Dr. Maalouf’s works were hailed by leading critics with terms such as these: “Jean Maalouf brings his experience as doctor of philosophy and humanities to bear in works of spirituality. His focus is one of gentle revolution in human development.” “Maalouf has written in the style of Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, and