Dictatorship, genocide, oppression and conflict... In a world in which such atrocious crimes against humanity are committed every day, the common way to respond to these problems is through retaliation in the form of violence and warfare. This plainly does not work - it merely perpetuates the problem, creating an increasingly unstable world. As Gandhi said, 'an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind'. Non-violent action should be considered as an alternative to our usual violent means of dealing with such problems simply because it works. It rarely costs lives, and it can rarely be criticised. While political problems across the world are only escalating, non-violence is the only relevant technique that can possibly bring change to a world in turmoil. Rather than combating violence with violence, non-violent action is the antithesis of dictatorship, genocide, oppression and conflict. The idea that peace can be established with war just doesn't make sense.
Israelis killed by Palestinians in Israel ( blue )...
Map of Israel, the Palestinian territories (West B...
Map showing the West Bank and Gaza Strip in relati...But for peace to come of peace is a logical conclusion and a philosophy that has been preached by Gandhi, Jesus Christ, the Dalai Lama and many other wise men throughout history. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.
Why should we examine non-violent action?
Violence is not the answer
A violent response to violent political situations cannot possibly result in a peaceful outcome. Violence may sometimes appear to succeed, but when the costs are added up - human lives, environmental destruction in the case of warfare, and the loss of cultural and historical buildings and landmarks, it is clear that violence is not a viable response to violence. 'When violence appears to do good, the good is only temporary - the evil it does is permanent'. It often only intensifies existing political problems, such as in the case of Palestine and Israel.