This activity aims at sharing selected statements from Glenn D. Paige, creator of the pioneering concept-term Nonkilling, as magnificently presented in his widely translated book. Teenagers are asked to build a series of Nonkilling Pyramids. The pyramid’s base is provided, so that you can construct the remainder of it, all the way to the top. There are four steps in each pyramid. Let me give you an example:

Base statement: A nonkilling society is a community characterized by no killing
Steps above the base: No killing: A community with no killing or A community without killing or, still, a killing-free community; A community characterized by no killing

Use the key-statement by Glenn as a point of departure and climb the pyramid conceptually to the top, providing the remaining statements. Reflect on the lessons embedded in the pyramid and discuss them in class, at home, etc.

Pyramid 1:

Base statement: In a Nonkilling society, there is neither killing of humans nor threat to kill
Next statement (to go above the base): A society with neither killing nor threat to kill

Pyramid 2:

Base statement: In a NK society, there are no occupations whose purpose is to kill
Next statement: In such society, there are no killing occupations

Pyramid 3:

Base statement: Language use may reflect lethality, as when you say, in English or in Portuguese. I’m killing time/Estou matando o tempo
Next statement: Our speech may reflect killing, for example: “killing time”

Pyramid 4:

Base statement: Draw strength from Life-respecting inspiration is one of the nonkilling principles
Next statement: Be strong by applying Life-inspiring nonkilling principles

Pyramid 5: In a conflict, seek reconciliation instead of humiliation or degradation
Next statement: In a conflict, avoid killing communicatively

Pyramid 6:

Base statement: Be courageously creative to bring about social transformation inspired by Nonkilling
Next statement: To succeed in building nonkilling societies, act with creative courage

Pyramid 7:

Base statement: Contributions to the Nonkilling Approach can be made from all spiritual, scientific, educational, cultural, political, economic perspectives
Next statement: The Nonkilling Approach can be enhanced with contributions from the arts and sciences

Pyramid 8:

Base statement: In a Nonkilling Society, there is protection and advancement of Human Rights and Responsibilities for human beings of all ages
Next statement: A Nonkilling Society is mindful of the rights and responsibilities of all people

Pyramid 9:

Base statement: A Nonkilling Society is possible and realizable by persons and institutions from all over the world
Next statement: A Nonkilling Society is a universal possibility, both individually and institutionally.

Pyramid 10:

Base statement: Teenagers have a crucial role to play as co-builders of killing-free societies, therefore, they should also be educated for Nonkilling
Next statement: Given appropriate Nonkilling Education, teenagers can help co-build societies free from killing.