The
peaceful atmosphere needs a truthful foundation. It cannot prevail on falsity.
The general advice, one is likely to receive on most of the
occasions is to avoid conflicts. The conflicts may grow into serious fights and
undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is better to avoid them at any cost.
Thus runs the arguments of peace lovers. We should admit that they are not off
the mark. However, there are exceptions, which, if ignored, would cost us
dearly.
Sometimes, remedies can be worse than the diseases they are
supposed to cure! In the ancient Indian epic the Mahabharata, the Dharmaputra decided not to reject any
invitation or request, in order to avoid war. His idea was not to offend anybody, so that his behavior would not lead to any
conflict. That was why, he agreed to participate in the game of dice, proposed
by Duryodana. Finally, the game led to a great war!
We cannot always be milk, sugar and honey towards all. We
cannot see eye to eye with others on all matters. When we are not directly
involved or duty-bound, we may keep a diplomatic silence and look the other
way. If such an option is not available, it is better to be frank and express
our opinion politely, with our reasons; rather than suppressing our opinion and
nodding our head unwillingly.
It is true that truthful statements often give rise to
unpleasant arguments; but chances are that in due course they would be accepted
and facilitate smooth sailing. If we hide our disagreement in the beginning, we
could not participate in the implementation of the project wholeheartedly; our
real stand would hamper our work and at times may even obstruct the work of
others.
While explaining the principles of conflict resolution, R.J.
Rummel observes, "… Doubtlessly, some conflicts are unnecessary, some
needlessly intense and long lasting. But some also are a real and unavoidable
clash, the only means through which one, as a partisan, can protect or further
vital interests and achieve a more satisfactory and harmonious just peace. …"
(https://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/TJP.CHAP10.HTM)
The peaceful atmosphere needs a truthful foundation. It cannot
prevail on falsity. This is applicable to all the situations, threatened by
small or big conflicts, from family to international levels.
There is no point in buying a worse inner conflict while
attempting to avoid an outer conflict.
