Meaning: The quote "There is no peace because the making of peace is at least as costly as the making of war - at least as exigent, at least as disruptive, at least as liable to bring disgrace and prison and death in its wake" by Daniel Berrigan, a clergyman, encapsulates a profound insight into the complexities and challenges inherent in the pursuit of peace. It highlights the notion that achieving peace is not a simple or easy endeavor, but rather a difficult and arduous process that requires significant sacrifices and entails comparable risks and hardships to those associated with warfare.

In essence, Berrigan's quote underscores the paradoxical nature of peace-making, emphasizing that the efforts and resources required to establish and maintain peace are often as demanding and burdensome as those involved in waging war. This perspective challenges the conventional notion that peace is the absence of conflict or the natural state of tranquility, and instead presents it as a deliberate and strenuous undertaking that demands unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice.

One interpretation of Berrigan's assertion is that the struggle for peace is not confined to diplomatic negotiations and treaties, but extends to the realm of social and political activism, where individuals and communities must confront entrenched power structures, injustice, and inequality. This broader understanding of peace-making implies a willingness to challenge and disrupt prevailing systems of oppression and violence, even at great personal risk.

Moreover, Berrigan's reference to the potential consequences of peace-making - disgrace, prison, and death - serves to underscore the grave risks and sacrifices that individuals and movements advocating for peace may encounter. This acknowledgment of the perilous nature of peace-building endeavors reflects the often harsh realities faced by activists, dissidents, and peacemakers who defy oppressive regimes, challenge militarism, or confront social injustices. It also highlights the courage and moral conviction required to pursue peace in the face of such formidable obstacles.

Furthermore, the quote's emphasis on the disruptive and exigent nature of peace-making suggests that the process of transforming societies and cultures to embrace nonviolent conflict resolution and reconciliation is inherently challenging and tumultuous. This may involve confronting deeply ingrained attitudes of hostility and animosity, dismantling structures of militarization and aggression, and fostering empathy, understanding, and cooperation among diverse and often adversarial groups.

From a historical perspective, Berrigan's quote resonates with the experiences of individuals and movements that have tirelessly advocated for peace in the face of formidable opposition and repression. It evokes the struggles of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and other peace activists who endured persecution, imprisonment, and violence in their unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and social change.

In contemporary contexts, Berrigan's quote continues to hold relevance, particularly in the midst of ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and global challenges that demand concerted efforts to address root causes of violence and promote sustainable peace. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of peace-building initiatives and the imperative to confront the formidable obstacles and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.

In conclusion, Daniel Berrigan's quote powerfully encapsulates the profound challenges and complexities inherent in the pursuit of peace, emphasizing the comparable costs, exigencies, and risks involved in peace-making as those associated with warfare. It serves as a compelling call to recognize the arduous nature of peace-building endeavors and the tremendous courage and sacrifice required to confront injustice, challenge violence, and advocate for a more peaceful and just world.