Philosophy of Civil Disobedience & NonViolent Action

Civil Disobedience & NonViolent Action

For our approach, we will examine how the leaders we will discuss formed their views on the topic. We have quoted liberally from the books in the following bibliography.

In the following excerpts we think you will be struck by the problems all these people had in getting their message understood -- and how applicable their message and approach still is for our time!

"The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it.

It gives them self respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage that they did not think they had.

Finally, it reaches the opponent and so stirs his conscience that reconciliation becomes a reality." (Martin Luther King)

NonViolent Action in history

Jesus of Nazareth
St. Francis of Assisi
Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Martin Luther King

Civil Disobedience & Other actions

Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Henry David Thoreau
Women's Rights Activist Constance Lytton
Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton