Can You Find Peace?

Back in 1854, American author Henry Thoreau wrote: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

Evidently, in his day most people did not enjoy inner peace.  That, however, was almost 150 years ago.  Are things different today?  Or do Thoreau's words still apply?  What about you personally?  Are you content, at peace? or are you insecure, uncertain about the future, 'quietly desperate,'  to paraphrase Thoreau's words?


UNHAPPILY, there are many things in the world that rob people of inner peace. Let us mention just a few.  In many countries unemployment and low income bring poverty and with it economic desperation.  In other lands many expend most of their energy chasing wealth and material possessions.  Often, though, the competitive life-style involved brings anxiety, not peace.  Illness, war, crime, injustice and oppression also rob people of peace.


They Sought Inner Peace

Many are unwilling to put up with the world as it is.  Antonio was a labor leader in  a huge factory in Sao Paolo, Brazil.  Hoping to improve living conditions, he took part in protests and demonstrations, but this did not bring him peace of mind.

Some hope, that marriage will bring a measure of tranquility. to their life, but  they may be disappointed.  Marcos was a successful businessman.  He got involved in politics and became mayor of an industrial city.  However, his homelife was a disaster.  When his children left home, he and his wife separated because of irreconcilable differences.

Gerson, a street child in Salvador, Brazil, wanted adventure.  He drifted from city to city, traveling with truck drivers.  Before long he was a drug addict, robbing people to pay for his vice.  Several times he was caught by the police. Despite an aggressive,, violent personality, however, Gerson longed for inner peace.  Could he ever find it?

While Vania was till young, her mother died, and Vania became responsible for the home, including the care of her sick sister.  Vania attended church but felt abandoned by God.  She certainly had no peace of mind.

Then there was Marcelo.  All Marcelo wanted was a good time.  He liked to party  with other young people-dancing, drinking and abusing drugs.  One time he got into a fight and injured another youth. Afterward, he was overcome  with regret for what  he had done and prayed to God for help.  He too wanted peace of mind.

These experiences illustrate some situations that can destroy peace of mind.  Was there any way that the labor leader, the politician, the street child, the overworked daughter, and the party goer could attain the inner peace that they sought?  Does  what happened to them teach us anythings?  The answer to both questions is yes, as we will see in the next article.

Next time: Where Can You Find Inner Peace?

The Watchtower, 2001