Many would agree that instigating violence is almost never right. Whether towards a complete innocent, an acquaintance that one simply doesn't like, or an enemy who has committed any crime against one's property or character, the initiation of force cannot be the answer.
The stability of peace, however, relies on more than this. The stability of peace and the continuation of its existence depend on not only the restriction of force, but also the perpetuation of peaceful thought and action. With the almost instantaneous ability of an aggressor in today's times to not only carry out an act of violence, but also for his targets to respond, holding back from an attack is almost always the best possible choice.
What good is done by responding to an act of violence with violence, than to continue the cycle? To say to your enemy "it is your responsibility, and your responsibility alone, to bring peace to this situation" is not only counterintuitive but also hypocritical. Why do you rely on your enemy to foster a peaceful resolution, when you have an equal share in that responsibility? You, too, can make the decision towards peace.
Break the all-too-familiar cycle of aggression on aggression by being the better. End the fight. Lay down your sword. Destroy your weapons. Even your destruction by an enemy who would attack you unarmed is more honorable and will set an unprecedented example. However, your actions will most likely lead to nothing but peace.
The death penalty, an all-too-often punishment used by the very governments that should be protecting their citizens, do not cause anything but sadness. How is it punishment to relieve a man of any guilt by ending his life? And who is being hurt by this but his family, who is most likely not the least bit responsible for his crime?
Teach peace and restraint. Teach it to your children, and they too will teach it.
The pride of today's leaders causes nationalism, xenophobia, hatred, fear, and useless wars and conflicts. The preservation of these leads to death, suffering, and more hatred and close-mindedness, which bring the infinite refueling of this cycle.
No good comes from violence. It never has, and never will, be an effective preventative measure or punishment, nor will threatening it ever bring peace. For as long as a person sees violence as an option that his enemy may choose or that he may choose for his enemy, it will always be a possibility, and peace can never be achieved.
Read more of my thoughts on Dirty Greek Dot Org