To achieve a real and lasting peace is it more important to change others or change yourself?

Answer 1

You have no control over others. Others do what they want and have their own motivation and experience that you can not begin to understand or control. You can't force change on someone else. You can influence it, but it's not all in your control

So it's most important to change yourself. You can control the self. You have that power. The question then, is what do you need to change to find peace. Some times those questions aren't easy to answer but they are in your control.

Lasting peace comes from within.

If we took this as a global perspective, we wouldn't be fighting wars. We would be looking within our own nations and finding solutions to our problems. Our influence would be our example and compassion--not force.

Answer 2

Haven't we all watched enough Oprah to know that you can't change other people? The truth is... you are never going to have real and lasting peace so long as you interact with other people. Pack your bags and find a nice cave in a wood somewhere sweetie.

And... for the other answerers... just what exactly is your definition of peace?

Answer 3

I hate to quote Michael Jackson, but he started with the man in the mirror, and boy did he change.

We can only lead others to enlightenment by example. It takes one person to see the truth, or turn the wheels of the dharma, so to speak, before others can follow. Anything less would be hypocrisy.

Of course one should start with themselves. If you didn't change yourself, or put yourself on the path you believe is the most proper one first, why even bother changing others, because it obviously wasn't that important to you to begin with.

Answer 4

It's almost next to impossible to change a person or to change even ourselves. Our values and stance are so solid that only through time we see things from different plane, we could achieve some peace by then.
I know that's a bit pathetic. C'est la vie!!

Answer 5

You cannot change others. You can only change yourself. Evenif others appear to be changed with your effort is not because of you, it is because of their willingness to change.

Hitler and stalin believed the same. They are probably the most disatisfied people lived on earth. Changing for the purpose of change is not what is suggestable. Change if you want something to prevail. Peace of mind and peace of society. Control your adrenalin, soceity will surely benefit out of it.

Answer 6

the only person in this world who you can change is yourself.. besides, real peace comes from inside of you.. even if everyone in your life changed to be perfect for you, if you weren't being the person you need to be, you still wouldn't have peace or happiness.. peace comes from knowing you are doing your best, that you are living right, and doing your best to be a good person. maybe you aren't religious but i find peace by following God. doing what is right, being true to yourself and to your values, HAVING values, and following your true life path is what brings peace.

Answer 7

I begin by changing myself. Changing others without changing oneself seems like such a laborious chore when if you truly change oneself the example one shines can do the work for you.
Mmm..maybe i'll join the Peace Corps now.
On a global scale i think America needs to ask itself this question.

Answer 8

Everyone knows the buck stops with you.You are your decider and maker.So in order to have ever lasting peace, You have to start with you or you'll never find it.Ever hear the expression.once you find something set it free , If it comes back to you ,its yours.If it doesn't it never was?
Well i think if you find something like peace set it free and if it returns well its yours ,and if you don't get it back you never really found it because you were out searching when you should be setting your self free, and excepting you first, then the rest will follow .If it was yours to begin with !

Answer 9

the only change you can effectively make is in yourself, the way that you perceive and experience things. this is the way to peace. acceptance of what is, moving into the now, and emanating peace to the world.
then your presence will automatically inspire others.
be the change you want to see in the world~Ghandi
and marianne williamson said:
http://skdesigns.com/internet/articles/quotes/williamson.html

Answer 10

You cannot change others. Change is internal, not external. Therefor, it must stem from within themselves. I believe true peace will ever be found individually and perhaps motivate others to find it within themselves as well.