The Study of Peace and Peacemakers

The Art of Peace: Nobel Peace Laureates Discuss Human Rights, Conflict and Resolution
Edited by Jeffrey Hopkins. Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, NY, 2000. In November 1998 nine Nobel Peace Laureates convened at the University of Virginia to share their views about the importance of basic human rights, their concerns about conflicts that arise when these rights are denied, and their practical ideas for achieving reconciliation. At the core of their agenda is the conviction that an ethical concern for the welfare of others is essential for personal, political, social, and economic balance. The book includes short biographies of each of the laureates. Each presentation is followed by responses from the participants as well as questions from the audience.

Bearing Witness: A Zen Master's Lessons in Making Peace
By Bernie Glassman. Bell Tower, New York, 1998. A powerful story about the experience of bearing witness and making peace one moment at a time. The author, who founded the Zen Peacemaker Order, describes leading retreats at Auschwitz and on the streets of New York City. He explains the practice of engaged spirituality and lessons learned which we all can apply to our lives.

Being Peace
By Thich Nhat Hanh, Parallax Press, Berkeley, CA, 1996. In this book of talks to American peace activists and students of meditation, Thich Nhat Hanh thoroughly discusses the importance of being peace in order to make peace.

The Disciplined Mind
By Howard Gardner, Penguin, New York, 2000. The first to propose the idea of multiple intelligences, Howard Gardner now argues that education should enhance a deep understanding of three core principles: truth, beauty, and goodness. Gardner envisions a new kind of educational system that would inspire students to rise to the challenges of the future while preserving the goals of a traditional education.

Ethics for the New Millenium
By His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Penguin Putnam, New York, 1999. The Dalai Lama discusses a Buddhist view of ethics with a universal lens for addressing global issues in the next century and beyond. This book is a great pathway to engage a dialogue in any classroom or educational circle about the human condition and what it takes to cultivate humanity in a global society, from one who is felt by many to be one of our greatest models. Its no accident this book has been a NY Times Bestseller for months.

Freedom From Fear
By Aung San Suu Kyi, Penguin Books, London, 1991.The moving collection of writings of a courageous leader of Burma's National League for Democracy who was put under house arrest by the ruling military junta that took over Burma during the process of a democratic election that she eventually won. Winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, Aung San Suu Kyi has become a global leader on human rights, peace and social justice.

In The Footsteps of Gandhi: Conversations with Spiritual Social Activists
By Catherine Ingram, Parallax Press, Berkeley, CA, 1990. Twelve interviews with a variety of inspirational leaders, including The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Cesar Chavez, Joanna Macy, Ram Dass, Joan Baez and Gary Snyder. A great source of wisdom to help examine issues of social justice and social responsibility.

The Heart of Learning: Spirituality in Education
Edited by Steven Glazer, Penguin Putnam, New York, 1999. This anthology of important teachers and spiritual figures of our time will help students, teachers, parents, and lifelong learners understand more about why we learn and teach. It provides a unified, inspiring, practical new paradigm for how learning can mean more, accomplish more, and inspire the best in each of us.

The Human Rights Reader: Major Political Essays, Speeches, and Documents, from the Bible to the Present
Edited by Micheline Ishay, Routledge, New York: 1997. A comprehensive anthology of primary source material for the study of human rights throughout the growth of Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Greek, and Roman civilizations, through the Enlightenment and Industrial Age, and up to the present. A recommended tool of study for any human rights education.

Irrepressible Spirit: Conversations with Human Rights Activists
By Susan Kuklin. G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1996. A cultural and biographical survey of human rights issues inspired by the work of the international NGO Human Right Watch. Through meetings with human rights practitioners and professionals from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas author introduces you to an entire division of labor of human rights work, from those who work on the ground to those who work behind the scenes to address international human rights violations. One of few book like this written for secondary school students. A great primer on human rights education.

Lives of Moral Leadership
By Robert Coles, Random House, New York, 2000. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author creates a portrait of moral leadership what it is, and how it is achieved through stories of people who have led and inspired him, from Robert Kennedy to a Boston bus driver. He tells how moral leaders both change the course of history and influence the day-to-day quality of life in our homes, schools, communities, and nation. He also explores how each of us can be engaged in a continual and mutual life-giving process of personal and national leadership development.

Respect: An Exploration
By Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Perseus Books, Cambridge, MA, 2000. This book examines the nature of respect in all relationships, whether professional, personal, or in public life. Drawing on moments in daily life, Lawrence-Lightfoot probes into the fundamental ingredient of respect in human connections.

Revolution: Faces of Change
Edited by John Miller and Aaron Kenedi ThunderÕs Mouth Press, New York, 2000. In 25 portraits of world leaders, this book explores themes of resistance in the face of oppression, perseverance against formidable odds, and visions for change. Along with stunning photographs, we hear the stories of Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, and many other figures who have risked their lives for social change.

Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation
By Jimmy Carter. Puffin Books, New York, 1995. This former President sets a model for global citizenship to young people through his reflections on working for conflict resolution and peace during office and currently through The Carter Center. Jimmy Carter discusses issues of war, peace, global conflict, mediation, The Middle East Peace Process, and human rights. A primer for teaching about global citizenship and social responsibility.