Positive status quoism, the only successful method for peace to become a reality, can be achieved by following the de-linking policy and developing positive thinking. Positive status quoism, on the one hand, can be defined as a de-linking policy, which entails finding ways of peaceful action despite the existence of controversies. This means that irrespective of there being a confrontational state of affairs or other adverse circumstances, such strategies should be adopted as may prevent violence taking place and war being waged. Controversial issues must be set aside so that present opportunities may be availed of in an atmosphere of peace. In following this policy, two gains simultaneously accrue: one, the establishment of peace, notwithstanding the pernicious atmosphere created by controversies; and, two, the optimization of work opportunities, despite the presence of problems.
One great benefit of this de-linking policy is that favourable circumstances for result-oriented actions are no longer a matter of the past, but have become an actuality today.
The second condition for adopting the way of positive status quoism is positive thinking. That is, development of the kind of positive attitude which will enable a person to rise above his circumstances. Even in the most adverse situations, he should be able to weather all storms as do the big birds of the storm. His thinking should not be the result of prior conditioning. He should rather think out and plan his actions without any prejudice.
It should be kept in mind that one of the main obstacles to adopting a positive stance is the tendency to give way to anger and vengefulness. Such an attitude so poisons man’s mind that he is no longer able to think objectively. It is this lack of objectivity which is the main reason for failing to adopt a positive stance. Anger, in essence, is the killer of peace. Anger often results in violence. Giving vent to anger is a sign of weakness, whereas the mastering of anger is a sign of power. Anger, moreover, confounds one’s thinking capacity. The angry man can neither understand any issue in a clear-headed way, nor can he give a response which is adequate to the situation. What is worse is that when an individual is angry, he is all too prone to turn to violence. But the truth is that violence is no solution to any problem. For one who can prevent himself from succumbing to anger, there is no situation which he will not be able to turn to good account. He will seek a peaceful solution—the only sure way to solve any problem.
Man’s mind has extraordinary potential. When he is not angry, he is in a position to utilize his capabilities to the best advantage. But when he is angry, his mental balance is lost. He is not in a position to make the full use of such mental capabilities as would be to his own benefit. In short, not becoming angry is victory, while becoming angry is defeat. It should be borne in mind also, that overcoming anger is not simply a matter of suppressing one’s emotions. It means being able to deal with the problem by rising above the negativism of anger. One should be able to respond, uninfluenced by emotion in spite of being provoked. This principle applies not only to the individual but also to entire nations.
Positive status quoism is undoubtedly the surest way to success, but only those can adopt this method who have the ability to think independently of the psychology of anger. The principle of positive status quoism can be adopted only by those who have the mental discipline not to resort to violence, despite facing unpleasant situations.
Visit: www.cpsglobal.org
COMMENT