“In His will is our peace.”
This simple, profound statement originates from one of the greatest works of world literature. The Italian poet Dante Alighieri penned these words in his epic poem, The Divine Comedy. Spoken by a soul in Paradise, the line captures a timeless truth about the human search for contentment. It suggests that true tranquility is not found in achieving our own desires. Instead, we find it by aligning our will with a higher, divine purpose. This idea has resonated through centuries, offering a powerful alternative to the restless pursuit of personal ambition. It challenges us to look beyond ourselves for a more enduring and stable form of peace.
The Origin: A Voice from Paradise
Dante encounters the soul of Piccarda Donati in Canto III of Paradiso, the final section of his poem. Piccarda resides in the Sphere of the Moon, considered the lowest level of Heaven. Dante, ever the curious pilgrim, asks if she or any other souls there desire a higher place, closer to God. He wonders if they feel a sense of lesser bliss. Piccarda’s gentle smile precedes her famous response. She explains that the very nature of heaven, of divine love, makes such a desire impossible.
Every soul in Paradise is perfectly content with the place God has given them. Their individual wills are so completely merged with God’s will that they cannot wish for anything other than what they have. To desire more would be to create discord, which is impossible in the harmony of Heaven. Therefore, her profound conclusion is, “E ‘n la sua volontade è nostra pace,” which translates to “In His will is our peace.” This context reveals the quote is not about begrudging submission. It is about a joyful, liberating alignment that eliminates striving and dissatisfaction. The souls find perfect freedom and peace in this divine harmony.
The Struggle Between Two Wills
The human experience is often defined by a conflict of wills. We have our personal desires, ambitions, and plans. These are the things we want for ourselves, our careers, and our families. Often, however, life presents a different reality. Events unfold that are outside of our control. We face obstacles, disappointments, and unexpected turns. This gap between our will and the reality of the world can be a major source of anxiety, frustration, and suffering. We spend immense energy trying to bend the world to our liking.
Dante’s wisdom offers a radical shift in perspective. It proposes that peace comes not from winning this battle but from ending it. The goal is to surrender our small, often shortsighted will to a larger, wiser one. This concept is not about passivity or giving up. Rather, it is an active choice to trust in a greater plan or a natural order. It means letting go of the frantic need to control every outcome. This surrender can feel counterintuitive in a culture that celebrates ambition and control. However, those who practice it often discover a profound sense of relief and liberation.
Finding Peace in Psychological Acceptance
Interestingly, this centuries-old spiritual wisdom aligns closely with modern psychological principles. Concepts like mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) echo Dante’s message. These therapeutic approaches teach that fighting against painful thoughts or unchangeable circumstances only increases suffering. True emotional well-being comes from accepting reality as it is, without judgment. We learn to let go of the struggle against what we cannot control.
By accepting our situation, we free up mental and emotional resources. Source We can then focus our energy on what we can change: our actions and our attitude. This acceptance is a powerful pathway to inner peace. It reduces the internal friction that causes so much distress. Researchers have found that practicing this kind of acceptance can lead to lower levels of anxiety and depression. . It is a practical strategy for navigating life’s inherent difficulties with greater calm and resilience.