Violent thoughts...

“There are three kinds of violence: one, through our deeds; two, through our words; and three, through our thoughts. …The root of all violence is in the world of thoughts, and that is why training the mind is so important.”
-- Eknath Easwaran

One of the major concerns about the Department of Peace legislation is the idea that somehow proponents are somehow advocating for the federal government to legislate our thoughts. It's the Orwellian prophecy perhaps, it's the cynicism about the true nature of people, and even more than these two things, there is an idea that most serves people who would rather dismiss the idea of peace out of hand. In that dismissal there is a brief acknowledgement of the vital and very personal responsibility each of us bears in the violent tendencies of our society. It's brief because we cannot bear to think of the full load, it's brief because we'd rather not begin the discipline of controlling our own thoughts even though we are quick to affirm that nobody else better do it either and we'd rather not revisit this idea again.

Three things

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person -

1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness (How True)

Three things in life that you should never lose-

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -

1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain

1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person

1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

the BIGGEST book in the world... for PEACE

The Groton-Dunstable Middle School
BOOKMAKERS AND DREAMERS FOR PEACE



WHAT IF WE SET OUT TO MAKE THE BIGGEST BOOK IN THE WORLD??

It seemed like a passing idea at first, but enthusiasm grew. Mrs. Sawyer urged that if the students were truly committed to making the world's biggest book, "the topic should be about something REALLY important, right?" The students concurred and began discussing issues such as poverty, violence, the environment, etc. After several iterations (and some timely influence by activist-singer Jimmy Cliff) they finally agreed the most important topic of all was World Peace. And on that day, a world-changing idea was born.

This small band of Groton-Dunstable students adopted the name "Bookmakers and Dreamers Club for Peace, and embarked upon a grand learning experience. They were transported backwards through history and forwards into the future, down the street to the local voting centers and all around the world.

The students launched a massive letter writing campaign seeking answers to their questions about World Peace. To their amazement, they began receiving letters and notes of encouragement from people of all walks of life, including noteworthy leaders such as: The Dalai Lama; Nelson Mandela; Maya Angelou; Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton: Senators Kennedy and Kerry; Princes William and Harry and more. Three years later, the kids have responses from nearly 500 local and global icons. In addition, this six-week long "temporary class" has now become a permanent and popular fixture in this celebrated Middle School, And, the University of Massachusetts School of Engineering, the Boston Museum of Science, the Carter Center and others have each expressed strong interest in supporting the project in their unique and respective ways.