“Of which lowly peace it is written that "justice and peace have kissed each other;" and that the fruit of justice is "sown in peace of them that make peace;" not "peace-makers" in the common understanding - reconcilers of quarrels; (though that function also follows on the greater one;) but peace-Creators; Givers of Calm. Which you cannot give, unless you first gain; nor is this gain one which will follow assuredly on any course of business, commonly so called.”

“No form of gain is less probable, business being (as is shown in the language of all nations -- polein from pelo, prasis from perao, venire, vendre, and venal, from venio, &c.) essentially restless -- and probably contentious; -- having a raven-like mind to the motion to and fro, as to the carrion food; whereas the olive-feeding and bearing birds look for rest for their feet: thus it is said of Wisdom that she "hath builded her house, and hewn out her seven pillars;" and even when, though apt to wait long at the door-posts, she has to leave her house and go abroad, her paths are peace also.”

UNTO THIS LAST - Essay IV: Ad Valorem

San Michele / San Frediano,
Lucca, Toscana, Italy
(John Ruskin)