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I think the perception of peace is what distracts most people from really having it.

The creative tension with spirituality vs. practicality in the world of politics is a vital conversation.

Conflicts are never caused in any simple way by identity, culture or economics. Where resources are scarce, or there are strong historical memories of conflict, small events are more likely to inflame passions.

Political conflicts distort and disturb a people's sense of distinction between matters of importance and matters of urgency. What is vital is disguised by what is merely a matter of well being.

For development, peace is essential.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of creative alternatives for responding to conflict - alternatives to passive or aggressive responses, alternatives to violence.

I don't believe that economic and cultural interaction automatically brings greater peace and understanding, although it may help in that regard.

Politics itself is so unsexy, isn't it? But when the politics in creative works are really explored - not used as a vehicle - the results can be really interesting.

When times are tough and people are frustrated and angry and hurting and uncertain, the politics of constant conflict may be good, but what is good politics does not necessarily work in the real world. What works in the real world is cooperation.

Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth.