What happened to tolerance and reasoning? People resort to mindless violence because they cannot find any other way of expressing their disagreement. They use force and intimidation to instill fear within people, thereby creating opposition, hatred and revulsion. We have become narrow-minded and arrogant, unwilling to embrace change and stagnant in our thoughts and beliefs. Look into yourself before you judge others; rationalize before you take irrational action.

What happened to communication and understanding? Careful planning, immeasurable time and ingenious ideas are devoted to mass bombings and meaningless attacks, rather than on constructive expression and explanation. Families are unexpectedly torn apart, children are made orphans in a matter of seconds and our cities are rank with terror and insecurity. By threatening our attackers, we are stuck in a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat, our conscience is blunted and we breed distrust, fear and hostility. Take a moment to think things out and get to the root of the problem.

What happened to cooperation and negotiation? As cultured people, we are taught to ask politely when we want something. But some people see it as more fit to forcefully make their voice heard. They prefer grenades to peace talks and the risk of war to a concession. So they force their fellow citizens to flee the country or to live in fear and to leave everything behind or to be left with nothing.

Remember that an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. Meeting violence with violence gives us nothing but more hostility and bloodshed. We have become a proud and egotistical race, unwilling to compromise and indifferent towards the suffering of others. Be the first to take the first step towards peace; don’t fan the flames of resentment.