It is preferable to live one day with inner peace than a thousand years without.

[Belindi]

While I don't know what Eric himself implies by his question I infer that inner peace, if it means contentment with the world as it is, is not good for anybody. We should be discontented.

The world is full of injustice and suffering. Today I have spent time with two homeless men; and a man who has attempted to end his life several times; his story is horrific. I voluntarily spend a fair amount of time with deeply troubled people. In order to offer some kind of encouragement and support, we journey together over months and years.

There are choices, I have no obligation to see them again; they could be a burden. If I choose to see them again; do I have to listen to their stories and be depressed because of their circumstances? At some point we have to walk away, and we have some understanding of the suffering they will continue to encounter.

But the one thing that gives me hope is the peace that surpasses all understanding. If I can experience this peace in spite of some dark events in my life; then maybe I can help others to find this peace. I am fully aware that I can't change anybody, they have to change themselves, but I always search for hope.

If inner peace were to be total there would be no felt need to search for hope. Eric's story is itself grounds for limited hope that there is light in the darkness.

[JackManson]

If the scenario were to include that for the 1,000 years without inner peace, I could strive for inner peace but ultimately fail. And the 1 day of inner peace was gifted to me and it was my last.

I would take the 1,000 years.

Maybe I dont understand the scenario though. The scenario could mean no matter what happens there will be no inner peace, no joy, no pride, just negative emotions battling inside your mind

[EricPH]

If inner peace were to be total there would be no felt need to search for hope.

I Think inner peace happens when you change how you think. I always have hope that something good can happen.

Eric's story is itself grounds for limited hope that there is light in the darkness.

I have come to accept I can only try and change myself, and strive to be the change I want to see.