"إذا قاتل كل شخص من أجل قناعاته فلن تكون هناك حرب"

The core idea of this quote is that wars often arise because people fight for causes or beliefs that aren't truly their own. If individuals were to stand up for what they genuinely believe in, rather than the ideologies imposed on them by others, conflicts on a massive scale could potentially be avoided. The author suggests that personal convictions are less likely to lead to war because they are grounded in individual moral and ethical beliefs, rather than collective, and often manipulated, ideologies.

Historically, this saying could reflect on many events where wars were fought over nationalistic, religious, or ideological grounds, rather than personal convictions. Think about the Crusades—people fought because they were told it was a holy mission. Or consider the world wars where soldiers were driven by nationalistic fervor or forced conscription rather than a personal belief in the cause. It’s a profound commentary on how large-scale conflicts are fueled by collective ideals rather than individual morality.

Let’s think of a real-life example. Imagine a small community where everyone has a different view on an issue—say, the development of a new park. If each person voices their own opinion and listens to others, they might find a middle ground. Some may want more green space, others might worry about noise. Through genuine dialogue based on personal conviction, they’re likely to reach a consensus. Now, picture instead that they’re influenced by a few loud voices with hidden agendas. The debate turns into a fight, sides are taken, and soon enough, the community is divided. If it escalates, it could lead to the kind of conflict that mirrors, on a smaller scale, how wars start.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by really examining your beliefs. What do you truly stand for? When you find yourself in a conflict or debate, ask if you’re advocating for your own convictions or just echoing someone else's thoughts. Encourage others to do the same. Foster open environments where people feel safe to express their genuine beliefs without fear of aggression or backlash. This way, you nurture understanding and reduce the potential for conflict.

Imagine a workplace scenario. There’s a team project, and the team is divided on the best approach. One group wants to stick to traditional methods because that’s the company’s history, the other wants to innovate. If each team member argues based on what they think the company wants, the debate could become heated and unproductive. But if each person speaks from their own conviction—why they genuinely believe in tradition or innovation—the discussion could become more constructive and less confrontational. They might find a way to blend both approaches, honoring both the company’s legacy and its future.

So next time you find yourself in a potential conflict, don’t just fall in line with the loudest voice. Reflect on what you truly believe. Encourage others to do the same. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about understanding and resolving differences through genuine dialogue. Wars, big or small, often start when we stop listening to our own convictions and start following someone else's. Keep it real, keep it personal, and you might just find a path to peace.