Diversity Q & A

Why is there so much prejudice and conflict in the world today?

Sujato

I don't think this is a very fair question.  Actually, there is lots of love, peace, and understanding in the world – probably more than at any time in history.  It is easy to understand why people fight; they want money, riches, and power, and there's only so much to go around.  The really interesting thing to explain is why there is so much peace.  Why do so many people get along with each other so much of the time?  And I think the reason for that is love.  When we are babies, we are held in our mother’s arms.  She gazes at us, feeds us, looks after everything that we need.  I believe that it is in that time, at a very basic level, that we learn how essential love is in the world.