In essence, the phrase establishes a direct equation: peace is not a gift or a concession, but the logical and natural result of a basic ethical principle. The "right of others" is the invisible yet insurmountable limit that our freedom encounters in the freedom of others. When a person, a community, or a nation understands that their right ends where that of their neighbor begins, the need for conflict dissolves. Violence, in all its forms—physical, verbal, economic, or symbolic—arises precisely from the transgression of this limit, from the imposition of one's own will upon that of another.
The relevance of this reflection is astonishing. Today, political polarization, religious intolerance, discrimination, and online harassment are clear manifestations of a crisis of respect. We forget that diversity of thought, culture, or identity is not a threat, but rather a mosaic of rights that must coexist. Accepting that others think differently, live differently, or believe differently, and guaranteeing their right to do so, is the first step toward defusing hatred and confrontation.
Therefore, Juárez's words speak directly to us. It invites us to move from being mere spectators of peace to being its architects. Building peace is not the exclusive task of governments or international treaties; it is a responsibility exercised every day at home, at work, and in public spaces. By honoring the rights of others, we protect ourselves and weave the fabric of a coexistence where dialogue and harmony are possible. In a world thirsting for peace, Juárez's formula remains the most powerful and simple of all: respect in order to be respected.
Credits: I used Google Translate.
