As individuals and social beings, at whatever the level and complexity of organization, a gentle spirit and manner weaken aggressiveness and mean-mindedness. The idea that peaceful persons make for a peaceful world can be explored by considering philosophical Taoism. An examination of the first nine chapters of D. C. Lau's translation of "Lao Tzu" or "Tao Te Ching," the acknowledged classic of philosophical Taoism, illustrates the usefulness of "Lao Tzu" in contemplating a gentle and compassionate life in the midst of personal and global conflict. In essence, the counsel given is that if peaceful persons are to make for a peaceful world they should be authentic, gentle, and unassuming in their relationships with each other. In addition, they must realize that too many distinctions according to wealth, power, or intelligence divide society and make unnecessary conflict inevitable. The conscious decision to live a simple life and thus preserve the whole and interdependence of human existence, and the recognition that the human being is embedded in Nature, take one to the personal experience of the perennial philosophy--"That art thou." At this point, the stillpoint where Taoist quietism can settle the human heart, the perverse nature of war and internecine struggle is seen for what it is. (MM)