Why Violence Might Just Be a Lack of Imagination: Michael Nagler's Radical Take on Conflict

Michael Nagler, a peace scholar, poses an intriguing question about violence, claiming it to be a“failure of imagination.”Rather than viewing nonviolence as merely the absence of conflict, he reframes it as a potent, creative force. Drawing on an often-overlooked moment from Gandhi’s life, Nagler illustrates how anger can be redirected into constructive change rather than allowing it to spiral into destruction.

In this poignant narrative, Nagler points out that while history typically focuses on the outbursts of human conflict, it frequently ignores the countless quiet resolutions that happen daily through love. He reminds us that the real question isn’t just about what we should avoid doing; it’s about what we actively choose to become. So, the next time you’re caught in a disagreement, consider tapping into your creativity. After all, isn’t it time we turned that simmering anger into something a bit more productive?