This collection of essays deals with the central problem of humanity: interpersonal violence; perhaps more accurately, nonviolence as an antidote to that central human conundrum. Few of us have the luxury of beginning at the beginning, and the essays in this book were written after I had been a pacifist for 21 years. They were previously published in various forums between 2004 and 2021, during my time teaching philosophy at the State University of New York, Cortland. The essays are an exploration of the realms of human rela-tionships, ethical considerations and the pursuit of a more compassionate and nonviolent world. I examine various forms of pacifism and discuss the interplay of philosophy, autobiography, ethics, common views of violence, historical perspectives on war and the tension between historical determinism and the possibility of nonviolence. The essays converge on a central theme: the transformative potential of intentional nonviolence. My exploration extends beyond theoretical musings to practical applications, encompassing personal relationships, social structures and our relationship with the Earth. In sum, I invite the reader to consider intentional nonviolence not just as a means to some other end but as an intrinsic good, capable of fostering a better world— one rooted in love, compassion and the pursuit of a shared humanity.

In the opening chapter, I address the question of whether love is inherently nonviolent, challenging assumptions and looking at the complexity of human loves, which often involve elements of violence. In her work, Iris Murdoch emphasizes the need for a moral philosophy centered on the concept of love, a notion often neglected by contemporary philosophers. In the first chapter, I build on Murdoch's idea and propose that a more loving world would be less violent. I explore the connection between love and morality, acknowledging challenges posed by issues of justice, fairness and happiness. I introduce a hypothetical case of a woman driven to violence out of love for God, family and country. I discuss the varied expressions of love, from affection to romantic and altruistic love, acknowledging their intertwining nature. I analyze the tension between transcendent, perfect love and its imperfect, human expressions.