Peace: it is one of the deepest yearnings of human beings past and present. Its absence in human relationships — among persons, families, communities, or peoples — is painful. Tense relationships weaken and even destroy the conditions necessary for love and living in harmony. Wearied from the struggles of life, one of the highest goods consists in being able to relax and rest, to live in peace. The decades of tensions and strife in which whole peoples pass their lives cause them continually to murmur, "Let us rest! Allow us a little peace!"
The lack of peace affects the Earth and is ecosystems, exploited by our pillaging in the name of development. We do not let the Earth rest and be refreshed. We keep exploiting it. How long will this suicidal strategy last? If the Earth is not preserved, we will destroy the physical, chemical, and ecological conditions for life.
— Leonardo Boff, The Lord is My Shepherd