What Does "Peace" Mean to You? Popular Musicians Share Their Thoughts

What does "peace" mean to you? For [url='http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/comments/green-movement-mlk-words.html']MLK[/i], peace was "not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." Particularly relevant to the green crowd is this classic from John Lennon:

"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace."

Sticking with the 60s vibe, we have Jimi Hendrix, who declared: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." But, what does "peace" mean to today's musicians? Causecast Music Manager Brandon Deroche decided to find out. "Peace has been a common word used amongst changemakers, hippies, anti-war activists, spiritual leaders and world leaders," he said. "Peace has a symbol, it's a simple hand gesture and has also managed to replace the traditional 'goodbye' for many. For such a frequently said word, how many people are actually conscious of what it is they're referring to? If peace is the goal, do we have a common understanding of what it is we're trying to achieve?"

Everyone seeks peace. Even war mongers want it (but only on their terms). As Nikki Giovanni sez:

In the name of peace

They waged the wars

Ain't they got no shame

So...it seems peace requires justice to be universal.

WATCH VIDEO: Peace, Love, and Smashing

What does "peace" mean to me? I've already mentioned the crucial element of justice but I also like this vision from Noam Chomsky:

"If it is correct, as I believe it is, that a fundamental element of human nature is the need for creative work, for creative inquiry, and for free creation without the arbitrary, limiting effects of coercive institutions, then of course, it will follow that a decent society should maximize the possibilities for this fundamental instinct to be realized."

So...what does peace mean to you? While you ponder that, here's some potential inspiration:

What "Peace" Means to Them

1. Nneka

2. Galactic

3. Slash

4. Tegan and Sara

5. Lyrics Born

For more testimonies, check out the Causecast YouTube page.