Richard Gregg

Bibliography

Pendle Hill Pamphlet #3, 1936

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This paper is an introduction to a study of how our civilization addresses conflict resolution through either cooperation or coercion. Vincent Nicholson is careful to define these terms and to focus the discussion on the moral issues which are involved. His convictions are stated at the beginning that "the moral problem is whether differences and conflicts shall be creative or devastating in their effect. We are convinced that the prevailing use of coercion perpetuates in the spirit of man and in social institutions an element that is destructive of the good life." Paying particular attention to sowing the seeds of future violence, Nicholson discusses not only war and physical conflicts, but strikes, embargoes and other means which have been used to settle disputes. From a moral standpoint situations where the ends override the means have not, and possibly cannot lead to a stable solution.

"The politician and the social reformer are in constant danger of losing the clarity of their moral insight in the dust of their activity… We would suggest, however, that the world suffers more from its politicians than from its prophets. Social progress toward the good life might move more surely if practically-minded men would dare to credit more highly the inner voice of moral guidance and would take more time to cultivate an apprehension of this guidance."