Echoes of Ancient Wisdom: From Plato to the Peace Flag
Holy Cross Boys’ Welcomes Professor Hope Elizabeth May: A Partnership in Peace Through Law
It is with immense gratitude and profound inspiration that we welcomed Lauren and her father to Holy Cross Boys’, representatives of The Cora di Brazzá Foundation.
Their visit has illuminated our shared path towards a world where peace is not merely an absence of conflict, but a living, breathing reality cultivated within the heart of every individual.
Countess Cora di Brazzá (1862-1944) offered the world a timeless truth: peace begins with a single, precious seed—the seed within ourselves. Her brilliant peace education system is a call to awaken our inner resources, recognizing that inner harmony is the absolute precondition for outer harmony. This is the enduring wisdom that echoes through the ages, resonating in the ancient dialogues of Plato and Socrates, teaching us the radical concept of 'non-retaliation'.
We are deeply honoured to connect with Professor Hope Elizabeth May (Central Michigan University), whose praise for our multi-award-winning film ‘Young Plato’ and our vibrant mural of Conor reminds us of the power of healthy "sense impressions." As she beautifully articulates, just as the marketplace of ideas in Ancient Athens needed a cleanup, so too must we ensure our modern ecosystem of impressions fosters harmony, not violence, suffering, or moral blindness. Professor May, a dedicated teacher of philosophy for thirty years and an ally of the 'Peace through Law Movement', has bestowed upon us powerful symbols of this mission: the beautiful Universal Peace Flag and badges. Each one carries the stirring motto, ‘Pro concordia labor’ – ‘I work for Peace’ or ‘I work for Harmony’.
This tricolour emblem is a powerful covenant of liberty, unity, and fraternity. The colours were chosen with universal intent, designed to be worn by all nations, symbolizing humanity's highest aspirations:
- Yellow for men: the vibrant colour of active love, energy, and creative paternal force.
- Purple for women: the majestic colour of triumph achieved through devotion, self-sacrifice, and maternal perseverance.
- White for children: the luminous colour of innocence and purity, the promise of our future.
To wear this badge is to commit to the timeless ‘Golden Rule ’- to treat others as you wish to be treated. It is a daily reminder to live by Socrates’ foundational moral command: ‘Never return harm with harm, even if you have been harmed.’ Peace is the legacy that falls upon every new generation, and it must be our collective, unwavering mission. With immense gratitude to Professor Hope Elizabeth May for her boundless foresight, inspiring vision, and incredible generosity of spirit and resources, we accept this mission today. We are all called to work for harmony.
