Some people will pull you into conflict again and again, and each round costs more than it looks. Innocent would rather step away: “I’m in love with peace of mind, and married to composure.”

His reason is practical, not lofty. Altercations throw off a lot of negative energy, and that energy rattles the mind the way waves rattle a shore. A settled mind thinks better — “as still waters run deep, calm minds think deep too.” Arguing to look smart or win an edge just drains attention he’d rather spend on his own work.

So he guards his peace on purpose. Not everyone sees it his way, but he’d sooner put out the small fires and be left alone to build his life than win a quarrel.