Dr. Elisabet Sahtouris, evolution biologist and futurist, joins us on Nonviolence Radio this week, where we take a scientific perspective of nonviolence in honor of the recent March for Science. Sahtouris is also an author and speaker and discusses many aspects of biology, history, evolution and science, including why the cooperative aspects of evolution as… read more
What is a natural and social science approach to understanding and applying nonviolence, particularly as it manifests in schools that implement restorative practices? I’ll be addressing this question over the next year as a Metta Center for Nonviolence research fellow. In the meantime, it’s worth considering why a scientific perspective on this question is important.… read more
“If one takes to Satyagraha without having measured his own strength and afterwards sustains a defeat, he not only disgraces himself (or herself) but also brings the matchless weapon of Satyagraha into disrepute.” ~ Gandhi, Satyagraha in South Africa, p. 188 One of the reasons it has taken so long for nonviolence to be understood,… read more
December 31: “I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith.” –Gandhi (Harijan, October 3, 1936) Anyone. All of us. That is what Gandhi is telling us about the force… read more
We cite his work all of the time at Metta, and this week we were honored to have the distinguished ethologist, biologist, Prof. Frans de Waal join our show to discuss some of his really fascinating research into animal behavior, specifically around reconciliation, conflict resolution, empathy, rituals…and even death! A very enjoyable discussion. His interview… read more
July 19: “Ahimsa is a science.” ––Gandhi (Harijan, May 6, 1939) Modern scientific research has begun to corroborate Gandhi’s understanding of nonviolence as a science, or rather, to supply the scientific foundation for some of Gandhi’s core ideas. One such breakthrough is the discovery of mirror neurons in Parma, Italy in the 1980s in a… read more
May 26: “I am a humble explorer of the science of nonviolence.” –Gandhi (Young India, November 20, 1924) Nonviolence: it’s a strategy for some, a moral imperative for others, a way of life for some more, but mainly for Gandhi, it was a science. Understanding that the fundamental basis of science is the spirit of… read more
The first session of our 8 week Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS 164-c) at the Metta Center with Professor Michael Nagler. Topic: The New Story: Wisdom Traditions and Science Resource: Names, books, films mentioned in this lecture. Video: Or Audio. http://archives.mettacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Peace-and-Conflict-Studies-164c-Session-1-.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSS… read more
This webinar features a presentation and conversation with Professor Michael Nagler on “Nonviolence and the New Story: Daring to Explore the World Within,” which was originally given as a TEDx talk in Fremont, CA. The 30-minute presentation is followed by Q&A with participants in the Metta Center Certificate in Nonviolence Studies program (total running time 1:03).… read more
We have been recommending to people who want to dedicate themselves to finding nonviolent solutions to begin by boycotting the mass media. We say this because we believe what we put into our minds matters. Images that degrade the human image and suggest that fulfillment comes from corporate capitalist consumption occupy the airwaves, billboards and… read more
