Whispers of War: Listening for Peace in a Restless World

 Whispers of War: Listening for Peace in a Restless World

by: Glenn "Intot" Dino

In the shadows of history and myth, there stands a figure both feared and revered — the God of War. Known by many names across cultures — Ares to the Greeks, Mars to the Romans, and through countless interpretations in games, books, and stories — he represents conflict, fury, and the primal instinct to dominate. Though we may believe such gods have long faded into legend, a glance at the world today suggests otherwise.

We live in a time of unmatched progress, yet the cries of war still echo through cities, screens, and hearts. From political unrest to community divisions, from online hostility to real-world violence, the world seems constantly teetering on the edge of conflict. It is as if the God of War himself walks among us, not with sword and shield, but with whispers — subtle provocations, nudging humanity toward hate instead of love.

These whispers aren’t always loud. They are disguised as pride, fear, misinformation, or self-interest. They tell us to trust less, argue more, and believe the worst in others. They lure us into believing that violence, whether physical or verbal, is a form of strength. And too often, we listen.

But we must remember — the god of war can only win when we forget who we are. When we forget that compassion, understanding, and unity are stronger than swords. Peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice, empathy, and connection.

Each of us holds the power to resist these dark whispers. It begins with the courage to reflect. To recognize our own anger before it turns into aggression. To speak when silence allows harm, and to be silent when words are used as weapons. It begins with raising children to be brave in kindness, and to teach them that real strength is found not in fists or fury, but in forgiveness and care.

This isn't to deny the reality of evil or injustice — but to remind ourselves that we must not become what we fight against. The God of War may never fully disappear from the human story, but he does not have to write the next chapter.

We do.