Translator: Maria Isabel Menendez-Leon

Reviewer: Elisabeth Buffard

If given a contract
with the word "Peace" as heading,

we're all going to sign it, right?

But are we signing for the same thing?

Aren't we signing for the idea

that we have of peace?

Because words have a primal meaning,

and over time, this meaning

evolves and transforms;

furthermore, when we use them,

we often manipulate them.

Instead of reaching for them

to understand their true meaning,

we bring them towards us

and give them the meaning that suits us.

So, what is peace?

We'll keep it at a personal level.

Because if we want
to create peace for ourselves,

we can start here and now.

Therefore, in everyday language,

the word "peace,"

I don't know if you feel the same,

but I have the impression it becomes

a synonym of the word "comfort."

Peace would mean doing nothing,

saying nothing, and letting all flow.

But on the other hand, the word "peace"

has the meaning of commitment.

Peace would imply to do something.

But then, do what, exactly?

So, I checked the dictionary.

I don't know if anyone has ever checked

the definition of "peace" in a dictionary?

No one here felt curious about that?

Pity, because I did,

and I was extremely surprised

that the dictionary itself

didn't know how to give us

a definition of peace.

Three fourths of the definition

indicate that the word "peace"

is a conflict-free
and war-free state of being.

Peace is not war.

But I persisted.

I searched for clues and I found them.

The word " peace" is feminine in French;

therefore, it's an inner energy,

an energy of receptiveness.

Then we find the words

"concord" and "agreement,"

which mean harmony and conciliation.

With what? We'll see this later.

Then we find the words

"calm" and "tranquility."

Now, am I calm and tranquil

when I stay warm at home?

When I avoid difficulties?

When I see a problem

and I turn the other way?

Or, am I calm and tranquil

when I say what I feel inside my heart,

and when I intervene

if I find something is not right?

The dictionary gives us the example,

"end your life at peace."

It's not encouraging,

but still, beyond that,

it's a piece of information saying

peace can't be found by chance.

It needs time, it needs effort,

it's cultivated and built, as I said,
here and now, permanently.

The dictionary provides us

with another example:

"To have peace of conscience."

So, there you have it.

Actually, it's as if the dictionary

didn't dare to tell us,

or didn't know how to tell us,

that we are at peace when we are

in agreement with our conscience.

What is conscience?

It's an intuitive understanding

that we all have within ourselves.

Deep inside, we know what's fair

and we know what's good.

And I'm at peace when I act and speak

in agreement with my conscience,

when I listen to the little voice

of my conscience.

But how do I do that?

Because I have plenty

of inner little voices,

and sometimes they point me

in completely opposite directions.

So, this is the real challenge:

how do I recognize the little

inner voice of my conscience?

To get to know myself,

I have to go deep inside;

I see the beautiful things,

but also the shaded areas

- I don't ignore them, but work on them -

and because I know myself,

I know my values,

and I express my talents and develop

the qualities needed to defend my values:
tenacity, courage, humor, firmness

- I know when to say "yes"

and when to say "no" -

and compassion as well.

In the end,

we could say that when we achieve

to "Get to know yourself"

and "Become who you really are,"

we live in agreement with our conscience

and get to create an inner peace

that can radiate from us later on.

That's all. Thank you.

(Applause)