Stuart's Daily Word Spot (Antonyms): Pacific/Belligerent

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Pacific/Belligerent

Pacific: adjective - making, or tending to make peace, resulting in reconciliation; appeasing, conciliatory, calming; of a peaceful character, peaceable; characterized by calm or peace, tranquil.

Belligerent: adjective - waging war regularly, as recognized by law; aggressively hostile, pugnacious; pertaining to a belligerent.

'In the world, whilst the general perception of Switzerland and Norway tends to the pacific, many nations view the USA as belligerent, due to its chosen stance as policeman of the globe.'

'Jenny stepped lightly between the boys, her gentle touch on each of their arms, a pacific influence on what had promised to be an ugly conflict over her charms.'

'Always ready for a fight, Tony was known as a bully in the streets and feared because of his belligerent nature and readiness to use his fists or any available weapon to get his own way.'

1669 - The first jury trial was held in Delaware, resulting in Marcus Jacobson being condemned for insurrection and suffering a sentence of flogging, branding & slavery.

1920 - Bob Hope became an American citizen, creating the 'loss' of a great comedian to the British but extending his talents to the wider world in the process.

A Well-Loved Poem Revisited.

I know this is a well-known piece, but it's always worth revisiting, don't you think?

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.