20 Peace Quotes for a Calm and Relaxed Mind

By Venita Adams
January 14, 2024

Peace is not just a state of affairs in the world, but also a state of mind in ourselves. Peace is something that we can cultivate and practice in our daily lives, regardless of the external circumstances. Peace is the result of understanding, compassion, and harmony within and without.

In this blog post, we will share 20 inspiring peace quotes from various sources, such as famous thinkers, spiritual leaders, and peace activists. These quotes will help you to reflect on the meaning and value of peace, and how you can achieve it in your own life.

What is peace?

Peace is a broad and complex concept that can have different definitions and interpretations. However, some common elements of peace are:

The absence of violence, war, and conflict, both at the personal and collective level.
The presence of justice, human rights, and dignity for all people, regardless of their differences.
The harmony and cooperation among individuals, groups, and nations, based on mutual respect and understanding.
The inner calmness, serenity, and joy that comes from being in alignment with oneself, others, and the universe.

Why is peace important?

Peace is important for many reasons, such as:

Peace is essential for the survival and well-being of humanity and the planet. Without peace, we face the risk of destruction, suffering, and extinction.
Peace is conducive to the development and progress of society and culture. With peace, we can foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and solve the challenges that we face.
Peace is beneficial for the health and happiness of individuals and communities. With peace, we can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhance our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Peace is the ultimate goal and purpose of life. With peace, we can experience the true essence of who we are, and connect with the source of all love, wisdom, and bliss.

How can we achieve peace?

Peace is not something that we can attain by force, coercion, or manipulation. Peace is something that we can only achieve by understanding, love, and compassion. Peace is not something that we can expect from others, but something that we have to start from ourselves. Peace is not something that we can wait for, but something that we have to work for.

Some ways that we can achieve peace are:

Educate ourselves and others about the causes and effects of violence, and the alternatives and solutions for peace.
Meditate and practice mindfulness to calm our minds, and cultivate positive emotions and attitudes, such as kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Communicate and listen to others with empathy and respect, and resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively.
Act and serve others with generosity and compassion, and contribute to the well-being and happiness of others and the world.
Inspire and join others who share the vision and values of peace, and create a network and movement of peace.

20 Peace Quotes for a Calm and Relaxed Mind

Here are 20 peace quotes that will inspire you to achieve peace in your life and in the world. We have selected these quotes from various sources, such as Goodreads, BrainyQuote, and Wisdom Quotes. We have also added some comments and questions to help you reflect on these quotes.

“Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa

This quote reminds us that peace is not something complicated or difficult, but something simple and easy. A smile is a universal sign of friendliness and goodwill, and it can create a positive impact on ourselves and others. A smile can also help us to relax and enjoy the present moment, and to appreciate the beauty and joy of life.

How often do you smile in a day?
How do you feel when you smile or when someone smiles at you?
How can you use your smile to spread peace and happiness to others?

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Buddha

This quote teaches us that peace is not something that we can find outside of ourselves, but something that we have to discover within ourselves. Peace is not dependent on the external conditions, such as the situation, the environment, or the people around us. Peace is dependent on the internal conditions, such as our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Peace is a state of mind that we can choose and cultivate, regardless of the circumstances.

What are some of the external factors that you think affect your peace of mind?
How do you react when these factors are not in your favor?
How can you find peace within yourself, even when the outside world is chaotic or stressful?

“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This quote warns us about the futility and danger of violence and revenge. Violence only breeds more violence, and revenge only creates more suffering. Violence and revenge do not solve any problem, but only escalate and perpetuate the cycle of hatred and conflict. Violence and revenge do not bring any justice, but only blind us to the truth and humanity of ourselves and others.

What are some of the situations or issues that make you angry or resentful?
How do you express or deal with these emotions?
How can you overcome violence and revenge, and seek peace and reconciliation instead?

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix

This quote contrasts two types of love: the love of power and the power of love. The love of power is the selfish and greedy desire to dominate and control others and the world. The power of love is the selfless and generous ability to serve and care for others and the world. The love of power is the source of war and violence, while the power of love is the source of peace and harmony.

What are some of the examples of the love of power and the power of love in the world today?
How do you balance your own personal power and your love for others?
How can you use your power of love to create peace and harmony in the world?

“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” – Virginia Woolf

This quote challenges us to face life with courage and honesty, rather than to escape or deny it. Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but also of opportunities and possibilities. Life is not meant to be easy or comfortable, but to be meaningful and fulfilling. Life is not something that we can avoid or ignore, but something that we have to embrace and engage.

What are some of the aspects of life that you tend to avoid or resist?
How do you cope with the challenges and difficulties that life brings?
How can you find peace by living fully and authentically?

“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” – Nelson Mandela

This quote advises us to transform our enemies into allies, rather than to fight or hate them. Enemies are not born, but made, by misunderstanding, fear, and prejudice. Enemies can also be unmade, by dialogue, trust, and cooperation. Enemies are not the problem, but the opportunity, to create peace and friendship.

Who are some of the people or groups that you consider as your enemies?
What are some of the reasons or causes of your enmity?
How can you work with your enemies to make peace and partnership with them?

“If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” – Desmond Tutu

This quote emphasizes the importance of communication and dialogue for peace. Communication is the key to understanding, and understanding is the key to peace. Communication is not only about talking, but also about listening, and listening is not only about hearing, but also about empathizing. Communication is not only about expressing, but also about respecting, and respecting is not only about agreeing, but also about accepting.

How do you communicate with your friends and your enemies?
How do you listen and empathize with others, especially those who are different from you?
How do you express and respect others, especially those who disagree with you?

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote reminds us that peace is not only an end, but also a means, to achieve peace. Peace is not something that we can achieve by using violence, force, or coercion, but by using peace itself. Peace is not something that we can achieve by sacrificing or compromising our values, but by upholding and promoting our values. Peace is not something that we can achieve by waiting or hoping, but by acting and living.

What are some of the goals that you seek in your life and in the world?
What are some of the means that you use to achieve those goals?
How can you use peace as a means to achieve peace in your life and in the world?

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein

This quote reveals the limitation and failure of force, and the power and success of understanding, for peace. Force is the use of violence, threat, or pressure, to impose one’s will or interest on others. Force can only create fear, resentment, and resistance, and not peace. Understanding is the use of reason, logic, and evidence, to explain one’s perspective or position to others. Understanding can also create curiosity, respect, and appreciation, and thus peace.

What are some of the situations or issues that you encounter or witness where force is used or applied?
How do you feel or react when you are subjected or exposed to force?
How can you use understanding instead of force to achieve peace in those situations or issues?

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This quote inspires us to take responsibility and action for peace, rather than to blame or complain. Peace is not something that we can expect or demand from others, but something that we have to demonstrate and offer to others. Peace is not something that we can achieve by changing others, but by changing ourselves. Peace is not something that we can see in the world, but something that we have to be in the world.

What are some of the changes that you wish to see in the world?
What are some of the changes that you can make in yourself?
How can you be the change that you wish to see in the world?

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote illustrates the contrast and the choice between darkness and light, hate and love, for peace. Darkness is the absence of light, and hate is the absence of love. Darkness and hate can only create more darkness and hate, and not peace. Light is the presence of light, and love is the presence of love. Light and love can only create more light and love, and thus peace.

What are some of the sources of darkness and hate in your life and in the world?
How do you cope or deal with these sources?
How can you bring more light and love into your life and into the world?

“If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.” – Lao Tzu

This quote shows the interconnection and interdependence of peace at different levels, from the personal to the global. Peace is not something that can be achieved in isolation or separation, but in relation and integration. Peace is not something that can be achieved by focusing on one level or aspect, but by addressing all levels and aspects. Peace is not something that can be achieved by starting from the outside or the top, but by starting from the inside or the bottom.

What are some of the levels or aspects of peace that you are concerned or involved with?
How do you balance or integrate these levels or aspects of peace?
How can you start from your own heart to create peace in the world?

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.” – Dorothy Thomas

This quote acknowledges the reality and inevitability of conflict, and the possibility and necessity of peace. Conflict is not something that we can avoid or eliminate, but something that we have to face and manage. Conflict is not necessarily bad or negative, but can also be good or positive, depending on how we handle it. Conflict can be an opportunity for growth, learning, and change, if we cope with it peacefully and constructively.

What are some of the conflicts that you encounter or witness in your life and in the world?
How do you cope or deal with these conflicts?
How can you cope with conflict peacefully and constructively?

“The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.” – Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

This quote emphasizes the importance and value of effort and preparation for peace. Peace is not something that comes easily or naturally, but something that requires hard work and dedication. Peace is not something that we can take for granted or neglect, but something that we have to maintain and protect. Peace is not something that we can achieve by being passive or complacent, but by being active and vigilant.

What are some of the efforts and preparations that you make or support for peace?
How do you maintain and protect the peace that you have or enjoy?
How can you be more active and vigilant for peace?

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” – John Lennon

This quote invites us to envision and share the dream of peace. Peace is not something that we can achieve by being realistic or pragmatic, but by being visionary and idealistic. Peace is not something that we can achieve by being alone or isolated, but by being together and united. Peace is not something that we can achieve by being hopeless or cynical, but by being hopeful and optimistic.

What is your vision or dream of peace?
How do you share or communicate your vision or dream of peace with others?
How can you join or collaborate with others who share the same vision or dream of peace?

“Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

This quote encourages us to be patient and persistent for peace. Peace is not something that we can achieve overnight or in one go, but something that we have to pursue gradually and continuously. Peace is not something that we can achieve by skipping or rushing, but by taking one step at a time. Peace is not something that we can achieve by being discouraged or complacent, but by being motivated and committed.

What are some of the steps that you have taken or plan to take for peace?
How do you measure or evaluate your progress for peace?
How can you be more patient and persistent for peace?

“If you want to end the war then instead of sending guns, send books. Instead of sending tanks, send pens. Instead of sending soldiers, send teachers.” – Malala Yousafzai

This quote advocates for the role and power of education for peace. Education is the process and practice of learning and teaching, to acquire and impart knowledge, skills, and values. Education can help us to understand ourselves and others, to develop our potential and talents, and to contribute to the society and the world. Education can also help us to prevent and resolve conflicts, to promote and protect human rights, and to foster and sustain peace.

What are some of the benefits and challenges of education in your life and in the world?
How do you support or participate in education for yourself and for others?
How can you use education as a tool for peace?

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.” – Carlos Santana

This quote praises the qualities and effects of an open heart and an instrument of peace. An open heart is a heart that is willing and able to love and be loved, to give and receive, to share and care. An open heart is a heart that is not closed or hardened by fear, anger, or greed. An instrument of peace is a person who is dedicated and skilled to create and maintain peace, to prevent and resolve conflicts, to promote and protect human rights. An instrument of peace is a person who is not an agent or a victim of violence, war, or injustice.

What are some of the signs and results of having an open heart and being an instrument of peace in your life and in the world?
How do you cultivate or enhance your open heart and your instrument of peace?
How can you use your open heart and your instrument of peace to make a positive difference in the world?

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – Dalai Lama

This quote advises us to protect and preserve our inner peace, regardless of the behavior of others. The behavior of others is the way that others act or react, to express or communicate their thoughts, feelings, or intentions. The behavior of others can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive, helpful or harmful. The behavior of others can affect our inner peace, but it cannot destroy it, unless we let it. Our inner peace is our own responsibility and choice, and we can always keep it, if we want to.

What are some of the behaviors of others that disturb or threaten your inner peace?
How do you respond or cope with these behaviors?
How can you keep your inner peace, no matter what others do or say?

“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This quote summarizes the main theme and message of this blog post: peace is from within, and peace is unaffected by outside circumstances. Peace is not something that we can find or lose, but something that we have or choose. Peace is not something that we can achieve or destroy, but something that we create or maintain. Peace is not something that we can depend or rely on, but something that we own or control. Peace is from within, and peace is real.

What are some of the sources or factors of peace from within for you?
What are some of the outside circumstances that challenge or test your peace?
How can you find and keep your peace from within, and make it real and lasting?

Conclusion

We hope that you have enjoyed and learned from this blog post, and that you have found some peace quotes that resonate with you and inspire you. Peace is not only a concept or a goal, but also a practice and a lifestyle. Peace is not only for the world, but also for ourselves. Peace is not only for the future, but also for the present. Peace is not only possible, but also necessary.

We invite you to share your thoughts and feedback on this blog post, and to share your favorite peace quotes with us and with others. We also invite you to join us in our mission and vision of peace, and to be part of the solution and the change that we want to see in the world. Together, we can make peace a reality. Thank you for reading and for being with us.