What Would Pacifists Have Done about Hitler? a Discussion of War, Dictators and Pacifism

by A.J. Muste

What Would Pacifists Have Done About Hitler? A Discussion Of War, Dictators And Pacifism by A.J. Muste is a thought-provoking book that explores the role of pacifism in the face of war and dictatorship. The book examines the historical context of World War II and the rise of Hitler, and asks the question of what pacifists would have done in response to such a threat.The author, A.J. Muste, was a prominent pacifist and social activist in the 20th century. He draws on his own experiences and beliefs to offer a nuanced and insightful perspective on the complex issues of war, violence, and nonviolence.The book explores the various arguments for and against pacifism, including the idea that pacifism is a form of moral cowardice, and the belief that violence is sometimes necessary to achieve justice. Muste also addresses the practical challenges of pacifism, such as how to respond to aggression without resorting to violence.Overall, What Would Pacifists Have Done About Hitler? is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on the role of pacifism in the face of war and dictatorship. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of pacifism and its relevance to contemporary issues.Or, What Would Pacifists Do About Stalin, Or What Will They Do With The Next Dictator?This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Politics

50 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Abraham Johannes Muste (sometimes credited as Abraham John Muste) was born in the Netherlands in 1885 and came to America at age six years. Grew up in Michigan. Ordained a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church in 1909. Graduated from Union Theological Seminary in 1913. A pacifist, he opposed U.S. entry into both world wars. Director of Brookwood Labor College in Massachusetts during the 1920s. Later executive director of the F.O.R. (Fellowship of Reconciliation). Had a long history of activism and leadership in progressive Christian and labor causes, civil rights, and war resistance. A strong proponent of nonviolent direct action. Died in 1967.

Reviews

[P.J. Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you stop a mad dog dictator? By shooting him and his followers? This pamphlet argues that violence has not solved the problem in the past. Has in fact backfired against us.

Decent people are many and mad dogs are few. Then why do so many decent people follow mad dog dictators? Because of the “awful habit of obedience,” says Muste, who calls for civil disobedience on a grand scale. Nonviolent resistance along Gandhian lines.

This pamphlet is more about prevention than cure, but does mention Hitler and “the difficulties which the Nazis had with the Resistance, often mainly nonviolent, in France, the Low Countries, Denmark, Norway.” Muste suggests what pacifists might have done about Hitler, but does not guarantee results. Who could?

He discusses various provocations of the Western world that breed desperation and extremism in others: expansionism, economic imbalances, and the “defense complex.” And calls for global co-operation, humanitarian aid, “all-out friendliness,” good will, wealth sharing.

Muste likes to reverse positions, to show that the perceived enemy is really not so very different from us. Suppose he did what we do? How would we like it? This pamphlet is an exhortation to think, not fight, our way out of our conflicts. To recognize the law of cause and effect. To have the courage to act unilaterally, in the expectation that the other guy will notice and respond in kind. Muste argues that our armaments are not protecting us, that they are increasing tensions and making things worse. That dismantling them would make us safer.

This pamphlet is a bit dated in its concern with Stalinism and the Cold War, but its principles still apply. It offers sane and sensible solutions that look a lot like the Golden Rule, but don’t expect to see them put into play any time soon. They would require courage, imagination, wisdom, selflessness, far beyond what we are accustomed to seeing in our decision makers, who would think Muste’s program impractical, even naïve. But if his program could somehow be implemented, peace just might break out. How practical would that be?

Notice that I am calling this a pamphlet. It is described as a 48-page book, but is in fact a 19-page pamphlet presented as a book. It is 19 pages of wisdom, plus 29 pages empty of content.