How far have we come in our humanity?

Each scientific advance, technological breakthrough or political victory seems to foretell of a better day only to pale beneath the cycle of violence. Wars, murders, genocide - the killing goes on unabated. Yet there is hope.

Are nonkilling societies possible?

Some say "No!" and that killing is inevitable because of human nature, competition over scarce resources, and other factors. However, in 2002, a resounding "Yes!" was asserted in Nonkilling Global Political Science published political scientist Glenn D. Paige.

The important work of the Center

Paige and colleagues have been in touch with thousands of respected scholars and activists to study this question, including interdisciplinary research committees -- anthropology, science, neurology, the arts, and many more. They have compiled an impressive body of knowledge that has uncovered some remarkable conclusions... [more about the story].

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Permanent Secretariat of The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates

Types of Killing: an alphabetical Checklist, by Francisco Gomes de Matos

Alhough KILLING has a core meaning, "to put to death,to deprive of life" (cf. The American Heritage Dictionary (4th edition, 2001, p.468), it is also used figuratively as in "to kill a bill"(to veto), "to kill the motor" (cause to cease), "these shoes are killing me"(causing extreme discomfort). Metaphorically, in my approach to Nonkilling I use "killing" in reference to a variety of destructive human actions. The Checklist below is aimed to engage you in broadening your perception of KILLING and to invite you to contribute examples. Reflecting on this checklist,invididually and in groups --at school,for instance -- is also suggested.

The tripartite Checklist is divided into TYPES OF KILLING,MEANING,and EXAMPLES.

TYPE OF KILLING(generic term); Meaning; Examples

Artistic killing; Using one of the arts for destructive purposes; Extremely violentfilms, videogames.

Biological (physical) killing; Causing unnatural deaths; Use of weapons

Communicative killing; Causing insecurity, fright, terror; Use of insults

Cultural killing; Discriminating, debasing culturally; Cultural offenses

Environmental killing; Causing several types of pollution; River pollution

Educational killing; Being authoritarian at school; Being forced to do things in class

Economic killing; Being deprived of food, water, a place to live; The homeless

Psychological killing; Being bullied, humiliated, terrorized; Please give examples

Scientific killing; Using scientific advances for war; Please give examples

Social killing; Discriminating socially; Please give examples

Spiritual killing; Discriminating on the basis of spiritual, religious belief; Please give examples

Technological killing; Using technology for destructive purposes; Please give examples

Do add other TYPES OF KILLING to the above list. Remember that KILLINGS destructive behaviors, may be caused by or may be correlated with a variety of DIMENSIONS, as listed above. Hope this activity will prove motivating to you so you can build a comprehensive perception of KILLING and see the urgent need for a NONKILLING EDUCATION for all human beings.

A Way to Follow Through on Your Values

Nonkilling is the Alpha and Omega of life. It is a prerequisite, an a priori condition, an ethical imperative, and a guide to action for individual and societal transformations to achieve the highest human potential. Your help has never been more important [continue reading].

New publications

Nonkilling Psychology
Edited by Daniel J. Christie and Joám Evans Pim (2012)

Nonkilling Korea: Six Culture Exploration
Edited by Glenn D. Paige and Chung-Si Ahn (2012)

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