Week 5 - Assigned Reading Post

Week 5 - Assigned Reading Post

Why is it that people are so easily swayed by the idea of peace? Why is it that the person that lays down his life protecting another is called a hero? I believe that violence is a natural reaction to challenge or danger, that is helped by the sudden burst of adrenaline , which is a natural defense mechanism of our bodies, I do not believe that the answer to all problems is to stand your ground and die if combated by violence. Gandhi states that it is better to reply to violence with violence than cowardice, what I don't agree with is that it is always the best thing to back down from a fight, in my personal experience it is possible to stand your ground and most adversaries will back down (usually 90%), some on the other hand will push the issue and a violent situation occurs.

It appears that Gandhi says something close to what I believe, but again he thinks that it is better to die than fight and stay alive, "Though violence is not lawful, when it is offered in self-defence or for the defence of the defenceless, it is an act of bravery far better than cowardly submission. The latter befits neither man nor woman. Under violence, there are many stages and varieties of bravery. Every man must judge this for himself. No other person can or has the right.". What are your opinions on these issues, would you let your adversaries kill you to prevent violence?

Sources: The Mind of Mahatma Gandhi