My grandfather fought for the free French during WW2, fighting his way into Germany. I grew up in the country that was the aggressor in that war, having breakfast with the grandparents of friends—people who were once mortal ennemies to my grandparents. I remember my grandfather telling me that he had traced back his lineage four hundred years, and every single generation of men before him had also fought war. My father was the first to enjoy peace. He told me war may seem far away. That peace in Europe were to stay. But that I should remember that peace was the anomaly. War was the status quo. That I should never get used to peace. Today, my close friend’s mother is hiding in a basement, her building being rattled by artillery fire. My grandpa LOVED being right, but over this I’m sure he would have preferred being wrong.
Hi Vasant. You might have thought this newsletter was less fertile but it was very powerful. I love Daisaku Ikeda's words on war: “Nothing is more barbarous than war…A great revolution in the character in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will cause a change in the destiny of all humankind.” We can all be that single person.
I love that phrase "Hope is a Decision". I've heard of this book but I haven't read it. Sometime last year we based our monthly discussion meeting on that theme. The phrase is also the opening of the first volume of The Human Revolution which starts with Toda being released from prison.
I love how this illustrates the struggle I feel at the existence of war. I also love “reverse the scenario completely and see what happens”.
Thanks Karen. The reverse trick always reveals surprises !
My grandfather fought for the free French during WW2, fighting his way into Germany. I grew up in the country that was the aggressor in that war, having breakfast with the grandparents of friends—people who were once mortal ennemies to my grandparents. I remember my grandfather telling me that he had traced back his lineage four hundred years, and every single generation of men before him had also fought war. My father was the first to enjoy peace. He told me war may seem far away. That peace in Europe were to stay. But that I should remember that peace was the anomaly. War was the status quo. That I should never get used to peace. Today, my close friend’s mother is hiding in a basement, her building being rattled by artillery fire. My grandpa LOVED being right, but over this I’m sure he would have preferred being wrong.
Wow I would have loved to meet your grandfather. Thanks for sharing this perspective Nicolas.
Hi Vasant. You might have thought this newsletter was less fertile but it was very powerful. I love Daisaku Ikeda's words on war: “Nothing is more barbarous than war…A great revolution in the character in just a single person will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will cause a change in the destiny of all humankind.” We can all be that single person.
Yup I know that one from the book “Hope is a Decision”, the title of which is one of my favourite lines from Sensei Ikeda.
I love that phrase "Hope is a Decision". I've heard of this book but I haven't read it. Sometime last year we based our monthly discussion meeting on that theme. The phrase is also the opening of the first volume of The Human Revolution which starts with Toda being released from prison.
bruce!!!!! When in doubt Bruce!!!
They don’t call him the Boss for nothing! Good to hear from you Chelsea