Politics of non – violent action: a philosophical action

Abstract

Man as we know, is a social being who needs society and company of others to live a proper and meaningful life. This very aspect of human nature has made him to live in groups and has been responsible for the evolution of civilization. Civilization as we know needs certain essential moral values and a sense of spirituality for its survival. With the coming of industrial revolution; materialism, race for arms, soul-destroying frustration and bestial competition between man and man and nation and nation have become the marked feature of modern human civilization. Today s civilization with its spiritual and moral void is in dire need for change lest the lust and love for power and wealth would ultimately lead to the destruction of man. The struggle for power and wealth has become the marked feature of modern civilization. The same lust for power and material possessions has resulted in innumerable wars and large-scale bloodshed. History has proved it time and again that the result to resolve conflicts through violence has been the death of thousands leaving millions homeless and orphan. In recent times it has been proved to us by the use of atom bombs on Hiroshima and the Nagasaki, the use of coerosive methods to establish peace in Iraq, to curbing of terrorism in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir to mention a few. There is no doubt that conflict is and will remain a part of human civilization owing to differences in faith, status and points of view but the need is to resolve these differences through non-violent methods if human civilization needs to progress and prosper. The use of non-violent action not only puts an end to the endless cycle of violence and counter violence but also brings an end to an atmosphere of distrust and hatred. Suffering which forms a vital part of non-violent action not only curbs violence but also plays a pivotal role in transforming the opponent.