The culture of non-violence is a source of hope. Not only because it combats physical aggression, but also promotes compassion, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution. This manifests through individuals who appreciate the importance of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”¹

What Is The Culture of Non-Violence?

Gandhi believed that the culture of non-violence is the greatest power in human hands. Even more powerful than the weapons of destruction that their minds created. It is a method that rejects the use of violence to achieve social or political change.

This enables people to go through their struggle for freedom without resorting to violence. Adopting a culture of non-violence is not only a way to avoid conflicts but also to act effectively, especially in politics.  It can be considered a culture that distinguishes humans from other creatures. As it requires rationality and rejects resorting to violence in solving problems.

As we live in an unstable time, with weapons of mass destruction and nuclear powers, humanity is at risk of extinction. Therefore, the culture of non-violence is key to resolving problems and conflicts peacefully. It is a means to achieve a state of coexistence and understanding of others.

Every year, October 2nd marks the International Day of Non-Violence. Which coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of the culture of non-violence.²

The Advantages of A Culture of Non-Violence

• The method used to resolve conflicts that reject the use of physical force or aggression. Thus reducing wars and conflicts.
• It promotes social justice and equality, understanding, and cooperation among individuals and communities.
• It aims to address injustice, promote social acceptance, and build sustainable peace through peaceful means.
• Resorting to the rationality that distinguishes humans from others characterizes it, as it minimizes human, material, and natural losses.
• It does not cause harm, unlike violence, whose effects extend to harm many innocents.
• Movements and organizations worldwide have adopted it as a method in campaigns aimed at achieving social justice, describing it as the policy of ordinary people.²

The Importance of Adopting A Culture of Non-Violence

We cannot overlook the necessity of adopting a culture of non-violence. In order to preserve humanity, our planet, and every living individual.

Its necessity lies in the fact that it protects against the severe harm caused by violence to its victims. The effects of violence are numerous. For example, it leads to an increase in suicide cases. And the accompanying psychological damage to survivors, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders. They are also prone to suffering from various chronic physical illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and others.

How Is Violence Treated?

1. Enacting laws and imposing penalties against all kinds of violence. This includes providing job opportunities for women within a suitable and safe environment. Which will reduce the economic violence they are subject to and make them financially independent.
2. Protecting children from the domestic violence they might be exposed to. And encouraging them to seek help if they are exposed to any form of it. This will definitely reduce the violence against children.
3. Normalizing resorting to psychologists, especially for teenagers who display violent behavior or bully their peers.
4. Supporting victims and survivors of violence, and providing them with appropriate treatments.³

What Are The Means of Non-Violence?

There are many means that help establish a culture of non-violence. For example: adopting practices of dialogue and mutual understanding with different parties. Peaceful demonstrations such as boycotts, festivals, civil disobedience, and strikes are also non-violent methods.

Many other types of non-violent demonstrations can be adopted. Whether in the cultural and artistic, or political and economic sense. They have a profound impact on society.⁴

As individuals, we can introduce the culture of non-violence into our daily lives. As a means of resolving our disagreements and problems. By controlling our reactions when insulted, or ignoring those who provoke us. In addition, staying away from quarrels by all means. We can also choose to engage in a dialogue with others to solve the problems we face.

Ultimately, a culture of non-violence is about recognizing our shared humanity. In addition to working together to create a more peaceful and equitable world for all.

By adopting non-violence in our daily lives and communities, we can help build a better future for ourselves and the next generations.

Also read:

• International Day of Peace
• What is Sustainability?
• Coexistence: Concept and Importance

References:

1. UNESCO
2. UN
3. Almrsal
4. Zawaya