A whole lesson for life.

I came across this text a couple of years ago. Since then, I have kept it with me, reading and re-reading it every time that I can. It is full of wisdom and provides righteous advice. I have called it ''A whole lesson for life''. They said that the text can be found graved on the wall of Baltimore St. Paul Church; some other sources would attribute it to Max Ehrmann. The origin appears to be a little bit uncertain though.

Thinking of peace, It has come to me to show you this text. I believe that such a text is a wonderful dedication to peace.

<< Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak out your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for there will always be greater or lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as periennal as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe; no less than the trees and the stars, you have the right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.>>

- Attributed to Max Ehrmann 1927

Book I - Why should I write a blog?

Why should I write a blog?

Our world will be what our generation wants it to be. There is no predestination that does not take us into account or entrust us with the cornerstone’s key role in the building of the edifice of our existence. What does one's existence count for, if at the end of the day, the history pages of one’s life are left unwritten? Our life is meant to have an impact; a good, useful and peaceful one, may it be. Do something useful in your life that will be a legacy to the posterity, a reminder of your journey on earth.

We were brought to life; we have the right to be here and here below we all have a role to play. That is why I consider that everybody has their story worth listening to, at least as long as they decide to tell it. Bright minds, little minds, the rich and the poor, good and less good people or even bad people, the ignorant ... all have something to say.I too have something that I want to tell.That is why I am writing.

Thus came up Pax Gentium, the title of my blog. Proceeding from Latin (Pax, pacis, f: peace; Gens, gentis, n: nation), Pax Gentium means Peace of Nations. A very conceited title, I would deliberately admit. However, do not let this mislead you. Pax Gentium is a mere tribute found to myself to express my ideas and thoughts within the framework of the freedom of speech. In this blog, I will be addressing diverse issues, especially the ones deemed challenging and socially useful. The topics are various as well and will relate to Business, Economics, Geo-Politics, Law, International Relations, Philosophy, Arts, Literature and so on. But, perhaps the most challenging part of it is how to address those issues having in mind to contributing to peace. The perspective of dealing with matters in the sense of contributing to peace, or encouraging peace behaviors and attitudes, is a core value to me. ''Being a tool for peace'', that's what it is all about; it is actually a reminiscence of a childhood prayer we were used to recite.

The Latin people used to say '' Si vis pacem, bellum parat '' i.e ''if you wish for peace, prepare for war'' but we have to admit that nobody is winning if all our disagreements turn into war or hatred. Let Pax Gentium be a humble contribution to the Human debate; let it be a platform where everyone brings their pieces of ideas to join the forum, where only ideas are discussed.

I consider the power of Human mind unlimited and therefore believe that together, hands in hands, we can make sure that all actions tend to peace and social welfare. Was it that we cannot actually expect people to love one another, we could at least urge and help people to work for peace, for peace is the most precious richness that we, as Human society, could have. It transcends the sovereignty of nations. It is an unalienable resource that everybody has sacred right to claim.

Welcome to the table of ideas’ debate. Let’s make sure everyone has a decent shot here. Long live Pax Gentium. Long live intellectual effervescence!