In 1971 on New Year's Eve in Times Square in New York City I saw large groups Jesus Freaks and Peaceniks go after each other with what looked like mayhem. They both had various anti-war and religious "protest" signs attached to 6 foot long 1 x 3 pine boards, which they used as clubs on each other. I don't know how long it lasted because I got the hell out of there.
How much of the professed desire for peace is driven by (a) cowardice and love of an easy life (b) ignorance of the real state of affairs or (c) the desire to prevent opposition to their own goals?
In 1971 on New Year's Eve in Times Square in New York City I saw large groups Jesus Freaks and Peaceniks go after each other with what looked like mayhem. They both had various anti-war and religious "protest" signs attached to 6 foot long 1 x 3 pine boards, which they used as clubs on each other. I don't know how long it lasted because I got the hell out of there.
How much of the professed desire for peace is driven by (a) cowardice and love of an easy life (b) ignorance of the real state of affairs or (c) the desire to prevent opposition to their own goals?
Yes, that's exactly my point. Academic definition of "peace" take no account of basic human nature or the infinite complexities of human interaction.
I’ve heard it said that peace is a period of international cheating between wars
That's as good a definition as any, Jim...