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Here we are, bombarded daily by breathless accounts on television, radio and newspapers of hatred and violence, of warlike activities, of attacks on women and children. Why do human beings act in such irresponsible and destructive ways? We are an imperfect species. Millions of years of survival of the fittest have produced human beings in which aggression and competition are deeply ingrained. Our forebears had to fight to stay alive and compete for food and shelter. Today we all compete every day of our lives, in sports, at our jobs, even in our selection of mates. These instincts are deeply ingrained in us. But now, with so-called "civilization" offering more and more effective instruments of war and destruction, we have the opportunity and even the duty to try to modify our instinctual behavior by using our unique ability to think rationally about consequences. One person who did that was Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai founder, who was imprisoned because of his courageous opposition to the war policies of the government of that time here in Japan. Another person was Linus Pauling, my father, a great scientist. He realized after World War II that the people of the world and their governments needed to be educated about the disastrous effects of radiation from nuclear fallout and the terrible results of atomic war. In the political climate of the time, the era of the so-called "cold war" between the capitalist and the Communist nations, this took incredible courage because anyone on either side who opposed official policy was accused of being a traitor to his country. His efforts, helped by those of other scientists and humanitarians from many nations, changed the course of history. You will see all this documented in the LINUS PAULING AND THE 20TH CENTURY EXHIBITION opening here in a few days. This Exhibition is designed to stimulate and encourage individuals, such as each one of you, to work to make the world a better place. But, as we know from the daily news, the struggle to counteract the human tendency for violence is ongoing. Just as it took millennia to develop, changing human nature will be a challenge for millennia to come. Now, another great thinker has devoted his life to improving our world. He is someone you all know, Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International. During the last years of my father's life they met and collaborated on a book A Lifelong Quest for Peace: A Dialogue. These two men, with their very different backgrounds in science and philosophy, found common ground in their search for peace. Each played the role of teacher and student, the one to the other. It is my pleasure to have met with President Ikeda also. I found him to be extraordinarily perceptive and understanding, a true master of the art of human interaction. In the course of our conversation, I felt prompted to think more deeply and comprehensively than ever before. We discussed at length the role of education, both in school and in the family, as a potent force for change. The mission statement for Soka Gakkai, as you know, has 3 elements: education, culture and peace. The successful incorporation of these attributes into one's life increases personal happiness and enables a greater contribution to family and to society. Education of children and also of their parents is essential to the progressive development of a society that values rational thought and action over impulsive and destructive antagonism. Soka Gakkai, with the leadership of President Ikeda, has established impressive educational and cultural institutions whose influence is felt far beyond the membership-the Min On Concert Association, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, the various Soka schools around the world and exhibits such as the Linus Pauling Exhibition. The Linus Pauling Exhibition is not merely a reminder of the history of half a century ago. Using my father as an example, it stimulates and urges every viewer to examine what he or she can do to counter the dark side of the human spirit. It demonstrates that no matter how oppressive the adversity, an individual can influence world opinion and achieve almost miraculous results. Hopefully, each of you will take this message to heart. I am deeply thankful to President Ikeda and to all Soka members for this and all other efforts to make the world a better place. 4 September 2002
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