When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin" suggests that there are times in life when we must stand up for what we believe in, even if it means going against the status quo or enduring hardship. It implies that true peace and contentment can only be achieved by living in accordance with our deepest values and convictions, and that compromising on those principles is a betrayal of ourselves.
Who said the quote?
The quote "When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin." was said by Abraham Kuyper (Bio / Quotes). Abraham Kuyper was a Dutch theologian, politician, and journalist who founded a political party and served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
What's the quote's message?
The message conveyed by the quote, "Instead of saying: When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin," is one of profound significance and calls for a deeper understanding. It prompts us to reflect on the times when our core beliefs clash with prevailing ideologies or actions, urging us to take a stand and resist complacency.
At its essence, this quote speaks to the conflict that arises when our fundamental principles are challenged and compromised. It compels us to recognize that there are moments in life when we must confront the forces that oppose our deepest convictions. Rather than succumbing to passivity or accepting a status quo that contradicts our beliefs, we are urged to embrace the battle that unfolds before us.
The idea that "the battle is your calling" underscores the notion that in such instances, it becomes our duty to engage in the struggle and actively resist the prevailing forces. It recognizes that our personal values and convictions should guide our actions and compel us to fight for what we hold dear.
Moreover, the statement emphasizes that when peace becomes sin, it implies a state of moral imbalance. Peace, in its purest form, is often seen as a desirable and noble objective. However, there are instances where peace is achieved at the expense of justice or by compromising our core principles. In such cases, maintaining peace becomes an act of moral transgression, as it disregards the underlying principles that drive our convictions.
This quote encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and question the extent to which we are willing to compromise our deepest beliefs for the sake of temporary peace or conformity. It serves as a call to action, reminding us that sometimes, embracing conflict and opposing prevailing forces are necessary to uphold our values and effect meaningful change.
In essence, the message behind this quote is a reminder that there are times when our convictions are tested, and it is in these moments that we are called to action. It urges us to be courageous, to challenge prevailing norms, and to resist the temptation to prioritize peace over our deeply held principles. By heeding this call, we can strive for a more just and authentic existence, one that aligns with our truest selves and contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that illustrates the message of the quote "When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin" is the life and actions of Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence movement.
Gandhi was a strong advocate for nonviolent resistance and believed in the principles of truth, justice, and equality. He opposed British colonial rule in India and fought for India's independence. Throughout his struggle, he faced numerous challenges and encountered situations where his convictions clashed with prevailing ideologies and practices.
One notable event that exemplifies this quote is the Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, which took place in 1930. In response to the British monopoly on salt production and the unjust salt tax imposed on the Indian population, Gandhi led a peaceful protest march to the coastal village of Dandi to produce salt from seawater, thereby challenging the British salt laws.
By openly defying the British authorities and encouraging civil disobedience, Gandhi stood firmly against the principles and laws that went against his deepest convictions of justice and equality. He believed that peace under the oppressive rule of the British was akin to accepting injustice and therefore a sin.
This example illustrates the quote's message as it demonstrates how Gandhi, when confronted with principles and laws that contradicted his core beliefs, saw the struggle for independence as his calling. He believed that peace could not be achieved by accepting and abiding by unjust laws but by actively challenging them and advocating for change through nonviolent means.
Gandhi's life and actions provide a historical illustration of the idea that when the principles opposing one's deepest convictions begin to prevail, an individual is compelled to engage in a battle to uphold their beliefs, and maintaining peace under such circumstances would be considered a betrayal of those convictions.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.