ABSTRACT
The ideals of peace are influenced by value systems of a particular society. Continuation of violence suggests that humans have not achieved the political, emotional and spiritual maturity needed for the realisation of peace. Peace has a firm social dimension in which equity and consideration of others' well-being are crucial for a harmonious community life. The vision of a world without war was embraced as the core approach to peace in the Hellenic civilization. For thousands of years, this vision of peace from religious traditions to modern philosophical ideas encouraged a lifestyle based on nonviolence and communal living. Historical conditions for peace, which can be more easily found in egalitarian social relations, would remain a dream to be realised within the existing political and economic structure. Peace is interpreted differently across cultures and social values with varying degrees of priority given to individual and communal well-being.
