Non-Violence: The History of a Dangerous Idea

Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Winner of the 2007 Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Economist called it “an erudite and eloquent book.” In this timely, original and controversial narrative, nonviolence is discussed, not as a mere state of mind but as a distinct technique for overcoming social injustice and ending wars. This sweeping but concise small book moves from ancient China to the American war in Iraq shows that violence has never been very successful, while nonviolence has a remarkable record. Daniel Ellsberg called it, “a brilliantly reasoned and urgent new book..These are powerful lessons that couldn’t be more timely. The world needs this book.” The Dalai Lama wrote “It is my hope and prayer tat this book should not only attract attention, but have a profound effect on those who read it.”

Where to Buy

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Other Editions

Nonviolence: Twenty-Five Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea

Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Hardback
Modern Library, 2006
ISBN: 978-0679643357

• Powell's

Nonviolence: Twenty-Five Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea

Narrated by Richard Dreyfuss

Audiobook
Recorded Books, LLC, 2009

• Barnes & Noble

News, Articles & Illustrations

• Turn the other cheek, or pop him on the nose? (Los Angeles Times)
• 70 years of 'shock and awe' (Los Angeles Times)
• Fathers don't always know best (Los Angeles Times)

Reviews

A book that can change your life

First – do not confuse his history of non-violence as a history of pacifism, as non-violence is peaceful resistance, not a lack of resistance.

I resisted buying this book for a while; even though I have read most of his other books, and have recommend Cod, The Big Oyster, and The Last Fish Tale to others. The case for active non-violence is strongly made in this book. There are numerous historic accounts of successful non-violent resistance that most of us have little familiarity, as our world tends to cater toward violence as a way of life and an instrument of the state. It points to the ethical issues, but also discusses how non-violent movements must be 100% non-violent to be effective – but that to achieve this and remain effective is very hard, as it does work against human nature.

I do believe this is a book that should be read by everyone in the world. What may not be emphasized enough is that active non-violence is probably necessary to maintain a true democracy – as the government is an instrument of power that will grow unchecked unless citizens actively question the government’s motives – especially when that government tells us we are “un-American” to do so. If we asked the founding fathers, I bet they would say it us “un-American” to NOT challenge the motives authority and power. We should incorporate it in everyday life.

A. Boynton