Shouldn’t the survival of humanity too be contingent on whether or not men arrive at a common denominator of meaning? Shouldn’t it be contingent on whether or not people, and peoples, find a common meaning, become united in a common will to a common meaning? Viktor E. Frankl, The Unheard Cry for Meaning.
On my previous blog, “’Peace on Earth’ and Meaningful Purpose Psychology”, I offered readers to participate on a poll choosing from five options to the statement; “I experience my own ‘Peace of Earth’”. If you have not read the article and participated in the poll, I encourage you to do so.
The Poll Results
Here are the results as they stand today. As more readers respond I will update the results chart on the referred blog.
While not yet a scientific result, but at least reflecting the participants’ answers, we can see
a trend that only:
sixteen percent — “For the most part” — experience peace and peace of mind.
Thirty-four percent of the participants face difficulty finding peace, and
half of the participants experience this ideal state only “sometimes”.
One of the aims of Meaningful Purpose Psychology is to help people find peace and peace of mind as one of the Five Meaningful Life Strivings. For more information on the Five Meaningful Life Strivings, read my book, “The Path to a Meaningful Purpose: Psychological Foundations of Logoteleology”, and the article found here titled, “What is Meaningful? And why knowing matters?” (December 18, 2013).
Some Simple Steps for Peace
According to Meaningful Purpose Psychology, the state of peace is reached by the pre-condition of love. In other words, people have to demonstratively care for, respect and value others in order to build the necessary trust to deal with differences and conflict in non-violent ways. Is this a naïve proposition? Is peace really possible? It is possible if we
embrace the meaningful over the meaningless
purpose to be peaceful versus violent
build the competence to skillfully deal with conflict and challenges in meaningful ways
take an active part fomenting peace and harmony over strife at all levels
The military involved in World War I was able to bring a brief reprieve to hostilities in what is known today as the “1914 Truce”. Too bad that the leaders involved did not have the meaningful will to permanently stop the conflict and find a peaceful way to solve their differences! Yet, the 1914 Truce does prove that people on the worst of conditions can find a moment to appreciate their common humanity, and treat one another in brotherly love.
I continue to repeat that we all have an option,
and we all have the autonomy to exercise the meaningful option for peace, harmony and good will, as well as the meaningless option of strife. My inner pragmatist tells me to choose the meaningful path. The alternative is unbearable to consider. Yet, I am baffled why so many choose to make the wrong choice… Just read the news…
I would be interested to hear from you if you agree there could be more peace on Earth, and how best to achieve it.
I wish you all a peaceful 2014!
© 2014. Luis A. Marrero, Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose (www.bostonimp.com)
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