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Out of Weakness: Healing the Wounds That Drive Us to War
“A wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful meditation on the psychological sources of the danger to humanity created by the advent of weapons of mass destruction. It draws on a vast range of sources including psychology, anthropology, literature, philosophy, and religion, and is expressed with eloquence and grace.”—Dr. Jerome Frank, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins Medical School, author of Sanity and Survival
“A remarkably thorough analysis of the proposition that is our beliefs, conscious and unconscious, which have made war inevitable–and that a change in those assumptions (including the unconscious ones) can free us from the scourge…This is a very hopeful book about a subject that leads many to despair…I believe it will be a most useful contribution to the dialogue about our national security dilemma.”—Willis Harman, President, Institute of Noetic Sciences, author of An Incomplete Guide to the Future
“A remarkably thorough analysis of the proposition that is our beliefs, conscious and unconscious, which have made war inevitable–and that a change in those assumptions (including the unconscious ones) can free us from the scourge…This is a very hopeful book about a subject that leads many to despair…I believe it will be a most useful contribution to the dialogue about our national security dilemma.”—Willis Harman, President, Institute of Noetic Sciences, author of An Incomplete Guide to the Future
- GenresPsychology
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1988
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December 1, 2024
A profound exploration of human conflict, power dynamics, and the path to peace, this book delves into the psychological and societal roots of violence. Drawing from history, psychology, and spirituality, the author examines how trauma and fear drive our need for control, leading to cycles of violence and oppression.
The book's core argument is that our current crisis stems not from inherent human nature, but from historical forces that have shaped civilization. It explores how societies deal with vulnerability through "warrior culture," and how the denial of weakness often leads to greater violence. The author skillfully connects individual psychology to broader social patterns, showing how personal trauma can manifest as nationalist aggression or religious intolerance.
Particularly insightful is the analysis of boundaries - both psychological and social - and how our attempts to maintain rigid divisions often reflect inner conflicts we're unwilling to face. The book suggests that true peace requires acknowledging our vulnerability rather than denying it, and accepting human diversity rather than demanding uniformity.
While academically rigorous, the work remains accessible through its use of compelling metaphors and real-world examples. The author's vision of peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the active integration of different perspectives and ways of being - what he calls "shalom" or "fitting together."
The book's core argument is that our current crisis stems not from inherent human nature, but from historical forces that have shaped civilization. It explores how societies deal with vulnerability through "warrior culture," and how the denial of weakness often leads to greater violence. The author skillfully connects individual psychology to broader social patterns, showing how personal trauma can manifest as nationalist aggression or religious intolerance.
Particularly insightful is the analysis of boundaries - both psychological and social - and how our attempts to maintain rigid divisions often reflect inner conflicts we're unwilling to face. The book suggests that true peace requires acknowledging our vulnerability rather than denying it, and accepting human diversity rather than demanding uniformity.
While academically rigorous, the work remains accessible through its use of compelling metaphors and real-world examples. The author's vision of peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the active integration of different perspectives and ways of being - what he calls "shalom" or "fitting together."
Displaying 1 of 1 review