Quote Originally Posted by KukriKhan
We can't even define peace, except in terms of war (see the starter post).

If we could find a way to focus the same ferocious intensity we wage war with, to wage peace, we might get somewhere.
But by peace I meant the general meaning thereof, not just in relation to war as we know it - armies, nations, etc., at war, or not at war. That's why I used the term conflict 'stead of war to point out the overall generality. And by conflict [with oneself and others] I mean for instance exactly these emotions, instincts, and the likes, preventing one from having a peaceful mind, and preventing others from having peace(ful minds), and so forth.

War, this term, I think, when applied to society itself, is about everyday conflicts (or non-peace) between everyday individuals. Based on the same principles starting wars, it's just on a "lower level" so to speak in terms of authority.

A basic emotion such as fear is a very dangerous one, and combined with ignorance or irrationality we have a sure way of things going sour between people(s) (in society), even if their fear has no proper basis or ground.

To continue about peace, 'tis this everyday conflict, emotion, anger, fear, etc., of others and to others, obstructing peace, and I really include the most simple stupid things such as love.
Example: I'm walking down the street with my girlfriend and we're totally happy, then sitting in a café happily. There's another guy nearby who isn't happy at all because he's lonely, has problems, etc., sees us, and what he feels is ENVY, anger, and hate towards me. This is non-peace, for his mind is in conflict due to his emotions, and could easily lead to conflict with me or others, and whatever else this chain reaction of cause and effect might put forth. And his non-peace/conflict in the mind, came to be (or was actually there already, but now more active) because of the (happy) emotions me and my girlfriend had.

So to finally address ye, KukriKhan, I think we can actually define peace, unrelated to war which we know so well

Not even positive emotions would be allowed, then, to further peace.