"Seek Peace and Pursue It"

What Is This Book About?

In a world filled with informational noise, wars, and anxieties, the idea of peace often feels like a worn-out coin—a forgotten relic buried deep in a pocket, evoking not joy but faint sadness.

Surprisingly, this book is not about peace in its pure, detached form. It is neither an idealistic vision of universal harmony nor a declaration that the path to peace lies in external or political changes. This is not a scientific or philosophical treatise that replaces one premise with another, leaving its meaning outside the text. It is neither utopia nor dystopia. Rather, it is a collection of observations—each an attempt to find harmony within ourselves, here and now, without the desire to rewrite the world around us. It is a conversation about how, even in a world that seems to be falling apart, we can maintain inner peace and invite it into our relationships with others.

Why are so many books written about peace? Why do so many philosophers, politicians, and scientists attempt to answer what draws us together and what divides us? Often, when we read such works, we encounter cold shadows, frozen words, formulas, and theories. These books remain respectfully shelved, gathering dust, as though their authors never dared to step into the real world. Sometimes it seems that the world has long since turned into a utopia lost amidst the din of cities, crumbling walls, and endless roads. And then you want to start anew—not from theories, but from small, almost imperceptible actions, like a whisper with which the vast world begins.

This book is not a monolog. I tried to write it as a conversation among friends gathered at a round table to discuss topics, each a door waiting to be opened. There are no perfect recipes or precise answers. This is not a guide to building systems or reforming societies. You won’t find instructions here on how to be a saint, a politician, or even a person who knows for sure what the world is. It speaks of how, while preserving everyday life, we can live in harmony with ourselves and those around us—even when the world is riddled with contradictions and fears.

The idea of this book is simple: an attempt to understand how we can begin with one action, one perspective, one decision to change habitual reactions, leave behind the burden of judgment, and build something new based on conscious choice and inner truth. It is a conversation about a person who wakes up in the morning, as if opening their eyes anew—perhaps to themselves, perhaps to the whole world.

Each topic can be explored and experienced individually, without expecting miracles or the entire universe to bow before us in praise. Each of us can simply try—a little at a time—and see how it becomes part of reality—or perhaps doesn’t. After all, every day, we face our fears and disappointments, move through resentment and uncertainty, to learn, at least a little, at least a tiny grain, what it feels like to be a person among people, to be light in darkness, even for ourselves.

Our lives resemble a long and endlessly confusing journey where we gain and lose our bearings. Sometimes, it seems that nothing could be simpler—letting go of inner anxieties, learning to see others with an open mind. Yet something inside—a subtle weakness—prevents us from overcoming our fears and pain. This book is merely an invitation to do so: not to wait for the perfect moment, not to wait for a perfect world, but to try to live with what we already have and create a space of inner peace and harmony from it.

Perhaps, this is where peace begins.

“Seek Peace and Pursue It”—Why?

“Seek peace and pursue it”—two simple words, yet they carry within them the challenge of a lifetime.1 This verse from the Psalms is not merely a goal; it is a path of life. It invites us to embark on a relentless quest for peace—inner peace, interpersonal peace, and global peace.

The first step is “seek peace”—a call to turn our attention to peace. Not merely avoiding conflicts but initiating actions that bring harmony. It’s a message of inner searching, a genuine intention to see the good and build connections of understanding and cooperation.

But seeking alone is not enough. Here comes the addition: “and pursue it.” Peace is a continuous process, demanding unwavering effort. It’s not a static state or a fleeting moment but a daily endeavor. Often, we must change our ways, let go of ego, and invest energy in creating peace—even when it seems impossible.

This verse is not just practical guidance but a profound philosophical and spiritual essence. It reflects a worldview where peace is neither a distant goal nor a utopian dream. Peace is a way of life—an active, conscious choice to avoid harm, do good, and see others as partners rather than rivals.

This book was born from the understanding that the first step in any journey toward global peace is the peace within us. We must recognize that peace begins within, extends to our relationships, and spreads outward to the world. Through the stories, insights, and practical steps shared here, we will strive together to understand how not only to seek peace but also to pursue it every day anew.

My Journey to Peace

Peace in the world is not merely the absence of war; it is the harmony between humanity, nature, and the self. It is a state that feels both achievable and unattainable. For me, as a peace researcher, this quest began with an inner question: What is peace, and how can it be achieved?

My exploration of the world started with understanding human nature. In my youth, I often asked myself: Why do people clash? What drives us apart? And is unity possible? I sought answers in books, conversations, and in my clinic. But the central stage was conscious work on my inner world. I realized that before you can change the world around you, you must first find peace within.

In 2011, during my work on a project that demanded constant altruistic intention, I experienced a profound inner transformation. This feeling can be compared to a rebirth: I clearly saw the boundary between harmony and chaos.

As I studied the world, I concluded that the key to harmony lies in dialog. As an editor and head of an international experts’ club, I repeatedly witnessed how open exchanges enabled people from different cultures to find common ground. Dialog is not just about words; it is the ability to listen, understand, and accept differing opinions while staying true to oneself.