THE WAYS AND MEANS OF PEACE

THE WAYS AND MEANS OF PEACE ~ 38 ~ Tolerance is a high moral and human quality, while intolerance is a descent to the animal level. The act of tolerance is not a matter of compulsion: it results naturally from the doer being of an elevated moral calibre. Any goal one strives to achieve by brute force, can always be better achieved by displaying tolerance. When an individual becomes intolerant in unpleasant situations, he considerably weakens himself and hence is unable to deal effectively with problems. But when he maintains an attitude of tolerance, he conserves all his energies, and is in a position to deal more effectively with the matters at hand. Not descending to intolerant behaviour, in spite of facing unpleasant situations, is a clear proof of selfcontrol. One who has this ability becomes so strengthened by it that no one can defeat him. AVOIDANCE, NOT CONFRONTATION It is certainly possible to avoid violence, even although there may be reason to justify the option of violence. This is possible through the peaceful strategy of avoidance of conflict. Such avoidance is