Chapter 4: “Work” vs. Work

43: “Work” vs. Work

We've reached Chapter Four! Michael explains the famous "work" vs. work concept as it applies to nonviolence: how to get something done as we want it done right now versus doing good work as related to the larger social system. This is an important concept.

44: Myths of Violence

When Michael was a teen, one of his first jobs was helping a friend who wrote "Super Boy" comics. In this Daily Metta video, he explains why he has since come to question the sanitization of violence that is sold to us in the commercial mass media, debunking some commonly held myths, or falsehoods, about violence.

45: Realities of Nonviolence

Victim-precipitated homicide-- a phenomenon of violent defense, but virtually unheard of in nonviolence. Surprising, right? Michael turns now to the realities of nonviolence to counter the myths/falsehoods of violence.

46: Making Nonviolent Energy WORK

Nonviolence, from a scientific standpoint, can be understood as a type of energy. How do we recognize and harness this energy? To what effect? Michael Nagler explores these ideas.

47: Stealth and Salt

In this video, Michael Nagler addresses the Salt March and explains what took place in the context of the dynamics of nonviolent action.

48: Nonviolence is for Everyone

Who gets to use nonviolence? Everyone. Including those in positions of "worldly authority." Michael Nagler discusses this sometimes controversial issue from the standpoint of the dynamics of nonviolence and relates it to Gandhi's ability to "point nonviolence in any direction." In other words, it defies social constructions and points toward our common humanity.

49: Conflict Escalation Curve

Michael Nagler explains the conflict escalation curve and gives insight into how and when to escalate nonviolence.

50: Recognizing True Power

In this video, Michael Nagler continues in Chapter Four of Search for a Nonviolent Future, highlighting the importance of recognizing and developing our inner capacity for nonviolence as a true source of power.

51: Nonviolence is the Highest Law

In this video, Michael Nagler explores the concept from the Hindu scriptures, "Nonviolence is the highest dharma (law)" from the context of nonviolence as a tool for deep transformation of ourselves and our world.

52: Civil Disobedience Legal

Nonviolence can work from any direction, including from governments. In a town in PA, civil disobedience has been made legal, protecting protestors from crackdown while defending their community from large corporations.

53: Two Stories

Michael finishes up with Chapter 4 of Search for a Nonviolent Future with two stories about nonviolece: Le Chambon and Prague Spring.

54: Symbolism and Nonviolence

In this video, Michael Nagler continues onward in Search for a Nonviolent Future, exploring the general principle behind symbolic action. He articulates his definition of symbolic action, reviews it in Gandhi's campaigns, and concludes that symbols alone are not enough.