The Art of Peace, and The Art of War.

 The Art of Peace is the better path if one can follow it without fail or needing to deviate from it because of conflict.  

The Art of War is a less desired path but often peace can only exist with war.

The symbol of the Tao and Taoist teachings speaks of balance in all things.

The Art of Peace and The Art of War are opposite but complementary similar to the Yin and Yang.

Morihei Ueshiba the founder of "Aikido" which translates directly to "The Art of Peace", said

"To injure an opponent is to injure yourself.  To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace."

The above Quote is from "The Art of Peace"-Teachings of the Founder of Aikido, pg 64.

Compiled and Translated by John Stevens, Shambala Boston &London 1992.

Supporting the notion that The Art of Peace is the better path, than the Art of War, 

"According to Sun Tzu (Author of The Art of War), war is only justifiable when all possible alternatives have been completely exhausted. Only when you are threatened by an enemy with military action should you resort to armed conflict. And even then, a direct clash of arms is to (be) avoided." 

reference below by Patrick Lefler,

 

August 22, 2010

http://www.spruancegroup.com/blog/bid/29088/Sun-Tzu-and-The-Art-of-War-Avoid-direct-confrontations-at-all-costs

I've spent much of my life studying and practicing the Art of War, but these days I study and strive to understand both, to maintain balance in my life. 

In truth, one cannot remain without the other and vice versa, because even though we strive for peace there is always conflict.

These are the rambling thoughts of an old retired soldier, they now call us "Soldiers for Life".  

Arthur Elder, Sergeant First Class SFC/E-7 U.S. Army Retired.  

The Way Life Is: Seeking the correct and true path.

 Today August 2, 2021, 1309 hrs

Doing the right thing is no guarantee that you will be free of people that want to do harm to you.  In fact, some people will want to harm you because you do the right thing.  

I am guilty of being naive and idealistic.  I try daily to do the right thing almost to the point of it being physically painful. On more than one occasion, there have been at least emotional pain in return for doing the right thing.

The truth is I make a lot of mistakes and am not perfect, no one is.  But I'm trying to make correct choices.  Moral choices.  I use guidelines I learned from my parents and grandparents first then I add the wisdom of the Army values and other codes of wisdom.  

I try to obey the law, stay out of trouble, and be a good person.  I pay my taxes, and property taxes on time.  

Some would say I am failing at my correct choices but I will not mention why they believe so.