Quote by Wendell Berry, Peaceableness Tow
Peaceableness toward enemies is an idea that will, of course, continue to be denounced as impractical. It has been too little tried by individuals, much less by nations. It will not readily or easily serve those who are greedy for power. It cannot be effectively used for bad ends. It could not be used as the basis of an empire. It does not afford opportunities for profit. It involves danger to practitioners. It requires sacrifice. And yet it seems to me that it is practical, for it offers the only escape from the logic of retribution. It is the only way by which we can cease to look to war for peace. ... Peaceableness is not passive. It is the ability to act to resolve conflict without violence. If it is not a practical and practicable method, it is nothing. As a practicable method, it reduces helplessness in the face of conflict. In the face of conflict, the peaceable person may find several solutions, the violent person only one.
Summary
This quote argues for the importance of peaceableness towards enemies, acknowledging that it is often dismissed as impractical. The author emphasizes the limited attempts made by individuals and nations to practice peaceableness. They argue that this concept does not align with the desires for power, cannot be used for negative purposes, and does not provide the basis for building an empire or generating profit. Despite the challenges and risks involved, the author believes peaceableness offers a practical way out of the cycle of revenge and war. They stress that peaceableness is not passive, but an active approach to conflict resolution without violence, allowing for multiple solutions instead of a single violent response.
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