irenic vs. ironic
irenic (adjective) – tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory
ironic (adjective) – using words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning; of, relating to, or tending to use irony or mockery; coincidental; unexpected
These two words do not contrast inherently; irenic and ironic can coexist peacefully.
Similarly, we do not need to contrast inherently; we, too, can all coexist peacefully.
Irony can often be abused when used for mockery. In those cases, its use is not irenic.
When given a mutually exclusive choice between them, I think it makes sense to lean towards ireny; it promotes peace in place of problems, solutions instead of subterfuge.
To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.
-Jill Bolte Taylor
When I woke up this morning and saw what new TED talk was waiting for me to see, I found it ironic. By the time I finished fully watching it a second time through, I felt irenic. It served as such a pleasant reminder that not all Israelis and Palestinians are engaged in hate for one another. I find it impressively glorious that we can all hear them singing beautifully side-by-side. Why can we not all sing peacefully and pristinely in unison? I think we can if we make that collective choice; we can join together and unite as one.
In the symphony of peace, every voice counts, harmonizing the chorus of humanity.
-Unknown
We will not agree on everything, and that is to be expected and accepted. Rather than arguing aggressively, we can debate in healthy dialogue. We can discuss differences and discover common denominators. Deliberate discourse delivers digestible diamonds of development and diplomacy. Delving into the details delineates divine from demean. Dutiful discoveries dictate dreams and desires. Digging deeper drives determination.
They don’t need to know your side of the story, and you don’t need the last word. Seek healing and you’ll find peace in not proving your point.
-Morgan Richard Oliver
In which direction are you driving in your lane? Are you focused more on being ironic or irenic? Are you trying to drive wedges or forge bridges? Are you presenting peace or promoting problems? My sugjestion: please, let us all be part of an irenic solution.
Peace is its own reward.
-Mahatma Gandhi
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Peace, y’all. :) <3