If a woman is going to write a Book of Peace, it is given her to know devastation. ("Fire" opening line) — Maxine Hong Kingston

The images of peace are ephemeral. The language of peace is subtle. The reasons for peace, the definitions of peace, the very idea of peace have to be invented, and invented again. (Epilogue)

Children, everybody, here's what to do during war: In a time of destruction, create something. A poem. A parade. A community. A school. A vow. A moral principle. One peaceful moment. (Epilogue)

Humans are basically good. That's why it takes so much training to march march march kill kill kill kill. ("Earth" p269)