Our chiefs said 'Done,' and I did not deem it; Our seers said 'Peace,' and it was not peace; Earth will grow worse till men redeem it, And wars more evil, ere all wars cease.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Political and spiritual leaders often promise peace or completion, but these claims are empty. True peace requires human redemption, and conflict will worsen before it ends.
- In plain terms
- Leaders make false promises, and real peace only comes after people improve themselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Trust actions over words when leaders claim peace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What signals indicate true peace versus temporary calm?
- How do we redeem a society that seems beyond repair?
Another view
The quote assumes human agency can solve deep structural conflicts.
More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton
The great Gaels of Ireland Are the men that God made mad, For all their wars are merry, And all their songs are sad.
Permalink to quote #175 For we that fight till the world is free, We are not easy in victory: We have known each other too long, my brother, And fought each other, the world and we.
Permalink to quote #177 I tell you naught for your comfort, Yea, naught for your desire, Save that the sky grows darker yet And the sea rises higher.
Permalink to quote #174
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