Nonviolence Is Not For Wimps

About the Book

Although “How to Cope with a Hitler” was the beginning motivation to write this book, the inclusions “grew like Topsy.” The themes threading their way through the pages are consistent even though interrupted by various personal experiences and musings. The themes are related—a kinder and gentler everybody, active nonviolent solutions to problems, improved leadership, and improved followers. Some proposals in my musings may seem far-out, but if you can stay with me to the end, you may be satisfied. My audacity to even consider a Soviet nonviolent response to Hitler need not discredit the other musings herein. Gandhi urged his countrymen, as they entered jail for the cause of freedom, to go “as the bridegroom enters the bride’s chamber—that is, with a little trepidation but with great expectation.” Such is the way we can approach the adventure of applied nonviolence. Many examples of effective nonviolence are included in this book as well as a few light-hearted comments. One approach is to lift up logic and practicality. If Will Rogers were still with us he would have a ball commenting on today’s world, especially the lack of logic in our war-making. Anyway, we have Michael Moore. During my writing in early 2003, the air was full of war talk, so I couldn’t resist doing three chapters on emotions before, during, and after the invasion of Iraq. To add to those musings my wife and I visited Iraq in June, 2003 to get a firsthand experience with the people. Wars are graphic examples of human failures and frailty, so this book is intended to give a nudge to Americans to think for themselves, create more friends, and lose some foes. I’m suggesting that is a more efficient way to reach our long-term goals than to bomb and kill and threaten. The book may be interesting, helpful, or provoking (entertaining) for anyone, including readers who differ with me. There are musings about what could be, throughout the book, and parts of my life experience related to the theme are included. Please forgive me for being a little flippant, intolerant occasionally, or letting you finish sentences at times. Ralph Dull

About the Author

Ralph Dull, the author, was born in 1929 in a farmhouse where he still works on the farm with sons and grandsons when not traveling with his wife to other countries, which are 48 in number so far. He lettered in four sports in high school and attended Manchester College and Purdue University. A ten-year partnership with his father was interrupted by Selective Service who ordered two years’ work in Baltimore slums as an alternative to military service. During the Vietnam War Ralph was twice a candidate for Congress. The Dulls have hosted a steady stream of foreigners in their home, sometimes for years. Following a six-month experience on a Soviet collective farm in 1989, they published Soviet Laughter, Soviet Tears. Also authored was a small book for Soviet farmers, which in addition was distributed to all members of the Ukrainian Parliament