PACIFISM is Opposition to War, Militarism, or Violence - What About Today ?

USPA NEWS - Pacifism may be based on moral principles or pragmatism. Principled pacifism holds that at some point along the spectrum from war to interpersonal physical violence, such violence becomes morally wrong. Pragmatic pacifism holds that the costs of war and interpersonal violence are so substantial...

Pacifism may be based on moral principles or pragmatism. Principled pacifism holds that at some point along the spectrum from war to interpersonal physical violence, such violence becomes morally wrong. Pragmatic pacifism holds that the costs of war and interpersonal violence are so substantial that better ways of resolving disputes must be found, Pacifists generally reject theories of Just War. Some pacifists follow principles of nonviolence, believing that nonviolent action is morally superior and/or most effective. Some however, support physical violence for emergency defence of self or others....

- 'LE PACIFISME EN AMERIQUE (Pacifism in America) by Ambre IVOL with Preface Paul BUHLE; published in FRANCE by Armand Colin Editions. This Book is about to find other ways to confront the actual world's violence. The Author takes as example the American Historian, Author, Professor, Playwright, and Activist Howard ZINN. His life´s work focused on a wide range of issues including race, class, war, and history, and touched the lives of countless people.

Howard ZINN was the Author of dozens of Books, including A 'People´s History of the United States', the play 'Marx in Soho', 'Vietnam: The Logic of Withdrawal', and 'SNCC : The New Abolitionists'. He received many Awards including the Lannan Foundation Literary Award for Nonfiction, the Eugene V. Debs award for his writing and political activism, and the Ridenhour Courage Prize.... The Author goes through his political involvment in Major Global and Domestic Events, putting ahead also other personalities... (Review by Ruby BIRD)

- 'CE PAPE QUI DERANGE' (This disturbing Pope) by Virginie RIVA and published in FRANCE by Les Editions de l'Atelier. Pope Francis is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he holds ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and sovereign of Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in Honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first Pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory III, who reigned in the 8th century.

The Author being currently correspondent in Rome for Europe 1, is sharing her own analysis of him at the same time adored and criticized Pope. Who are the ones who attack him ? What can he do to avoid or challenge the criticisms , Wil he be able to mark History with his decisions ?...Throughout his public life, Pope Francis has been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, populist causes and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He is credited with having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he is known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring... (Review Ruby BIRD)

- 'QUEL BOUDDHISME POUR L'OCCIDENT ?' (what Buddhism for the West ?) by Fabrice MIDAL and published in FRANCE by Seuil Editions). Buddhism is an Indian Religion and Dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in Ancient India from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the middle ages. Buddhism has spread across the world, and Buddhist texts are increasingly translated into local languages. While in the West Buddhism is often seen as exotic and progressive, in the East it is regarded as familiar and traditional.

China is the country with the largest population of Buddhists. According to Johnson and Grim (2013), Buddhism has grown from a total of 138 million adherents in 1910 of which North America had about 3.9 million Buddhists, Europe 1.3 million, while South America, Africa and the Middle East had an estimated combined total of about 1 million Buddhists in 2010.... According to the Author, Buddhism could be a chance to the West considering it as a major Historical Event. For him, it is not a Religion but a Way of Thinking refusing GOD and EGO, practicing a a radical and concrete Ethics and finally being a set of practices. (Review by Ruby BIRD)

- 'LE GUIDE DE L'EMPEREUR TANG' (Original Title : The Emperor of Tang and the Secrets of his Spectacular Success). Published in FRANCE by flammarion Editions. The Major Texts are presented in this Book by Chinghua Tang.

Emperor Taizong of Tang was the Second Emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. He is traditionally regarded as a co-founder of the dynasty for his role in encouraging Li Yuan, his father, to rebel against the Sui dynasty at Jinyang in 617. Taizong subsequently played a pivotal role in defeating several of the dynasty's most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China.

Taizong is typically considered to be one of the greatest emperors in China's history and henceforth, his reign became regarded as the exemplary model against which all future emperors were measured. His era, the 'Reign of Zhenguan' is considered a golden age in Chinese history and was treated as required studying material for future crown princes. (Review by Ruby BIRD)

Ruby BIRD
http://www.portfolio.uspa24.com/
Yasmina BEDDOU
http://www.yasmina-beddou.uspa24.com/