"One cannot subdue a man by holding back his hands. Lasting peace comes not from force"

To truly understand the nature of peace and control, one must examine the limitations of using force to subdue another individual. Holding back someone’s hands is a metaphor for restraining physical actions, applying direct suppression to prevent movement or resistance. On the surface, this method may stop a person for a moment, but it does not reach into the realm of motivations, desires, or deeper unrest. It merely halts activity, leaving underlying tensions unresolved. Physical restraint or the exercise of overpowering force can enforce order temporarily, but it never changes what lies within a person’s heart or mind.

Lasting peace is fundamentally different. It is not the absence of violence achieved through dominance, but a state of mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance. When peace stems from force, it is inherently unstable, because it depends upon the presence and perpetual application of that force. As soon as the grip loosens, old animosities and unresolved grievances may surface with even greater strength. True peace, enduring and stable, grows from trust, dialogue, and the willingness of both sides to recognize each other's humanity and legitimate aspirations.

The refusal to rely solely on force also acknowledges the complex nature of human beings. People cannot be made obedient, kind, or content simply through external compulsion. Sustainable change and harmony require engagement, compassion, and the creation of structures that allow all individuals to feel heard and valued. Force may breed resentment, resistance, and a cycle of retaliation, while the pursuit of genuine understanding can lay the groundwork for reconciliation and progress.

In societies, relationships, and even within oneself, the challenge is to move beyond mere containment or coercion. Recognizing the futility of trying to subdue through force opens the door to more humane, creative, and ultimately effective approaches to problem-solving and coexistence. Only through these means can real and enduring peace be achieved.