Evolving Nonviolence

In this blog, we share ideas and insights about what Gandhi called “the greatest power humanity has been endowed with”—nonviolence. Like him, we believe that mobilizing this force is essential for addressing the urgent challenges of our time and shaping a future rooted in justice and peace.

Stephanie Van Hook 1/26/26 Stephanie Van Hook 1/26/26

All violence is suicide.

What happens when we shift our awareness to see everyone as part of our family?

Stephanie Van Hook 12/18/25 Stephanie Van Hook 12/18/25

Those in power are terrified of peace.

Michael reflects on the effects of three assassinations of US peace figures.

Michael Nagler 10/29/25 Michael Nagler 10/29/25

Run-Ins with Death

Michael reflects on death and nonviolence.

Michael Nagler 10/22/25 Michael Nagler 10/22/25

Where do we go from here?

Protests show those in power that you do not like what they’re doing. The great weakness in this demonstration is that more often than not, and certainly in our case, those in power are past caring whether we like it. There can even be a perverse element 𑁋 which I strongly believe there is in this case 𑁋 that they’re glad you don’t like it. The lust for power revels in that very discomfort.

Stephanie Van Hook 10/15/25 Stephanie Van Hook 10/15/25

The Meaning of ‘Peace’

Learn about the evolution of the concept of Peace in order to better grasp what people mean when they invoke this sacred concept.

Michael Nagler 10/13/25 Michael Nagler 10/13/25

The Lesson of the Flotilla

Michael Nagler reflects on what humanity can learn as we enter a new time of ceasefire in Israel-Palestine.

Michael Nagler 9/12/25 Michael Nagler 9/12/25

The Urgent Need for a Cease-Hatred

In the face of devastation in Gaza and the enduring cycle of violence, Nagler calls for more than temporary ceasefires—he urges a paradigm shift in human consciousness.

Michael Nagler 9/2/25 Michael Nagler 9/2/25

The Gita on War and Action

The Bhagavad Gita has inspired seekers, soldiers, and even scientists like Oppenheimer. But is its battlefield a call to war — or an allegory for the inner struggle? Gandhi called it his ‘spiritual reference book,’ pointing to its deeper call to nonviolence.

Stephanie Van Hook 8/15/25 Stephanie Van Hook 8/15/25

The Twilight of Honor

“I have so far not said much here about Gaza, not because it doesn’t merit attention 𑁋 far from it 𑁋 but because what’s being done there to our fellow human beings stuns the imagination. As my friend Sami Awad said to me about the latest Israeli atrocity, ‘My question now is how far will they go? And the answer scares me.’”

Stephanie Van Hook 8/6/25 Stephanie Van Hook 8/6/25

Six Questions for Michael Nagler on Nonviolence

Here’s a preview of a bonus section of our new edition Michael’s Search for a Nonviolent Future!

Stephanie Van Hook 7/14/25 Stephanie Van Hook 7/14/25

Johnny Crow’s Garden

Said the hippopotami, “Ask no longer, what-am-I!”

Stephanie Van Hook 7/8/25 Stephanie Van Hook 7/8/25

When Empires Fall: Finding a New Story in Nonviolence

Reflecting on the Bronze Age collapse, Michael explores how today’s global crises echo ancient endings — and how a new story rooted in nonviolence could guide us forward. As old paradigms crumble, the choice is ours: fear and violence, or courage and renewal.

Michael Nagler 6/23/25 Michael Nagler 6/23/25

Searching Out Silver Linings

Seeing so painfully the utter impotence of the “international community” to stop this horror, even with the offices of the UN and the ICC, perhaps some recognition will dawn that we are a human family and need to learn that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”