In the search for personal truth and validation in the confusing world we live in, humanists have both paved the way for social movements and forward thinking. These people include Mahatma Gandhi and Bertrand Russell. Despite growing up with different religious beliefs and living in different socio-economic contexts, the two share a common vision: a world of non-violence and unity. By contrasting and comparing their views on peace, education, and war, the following makes it clear that despite their different upbringings, their worldviews are reconcilable. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay To begin with, Gandhi grew up poor in a village in India and his mother was a deeply devoted Hindu. Through his travels and hardships, Mahatma Gandhi tried his best to live a life of peace. Therefore, Gandhi was devoted to the principles of Satyagraha, which showed him the Truth and connected him to God. Furthermore, he encouraged his people to live their lives without brutality and to be at peace. He believed that ahimsa (non-violence) was necessary for a society to function and was an essential virtue. Following Satyagraha and ahimsa, Gandhi wanted to spread love, which he considered to be part of the laws of nature (Gandhi). Moreover, as is the law of nature, Gandhi believed that hatred could be triumphed by love. Therefore, in order to better understand Gandhi's worldview, it is important to emphasize peace as one of his core values, because it is the way he chose to live and what he encouraged others to do the same. Continuing, Mahatma Gandhi advocated for adequate education. for his people. In South Africa and India, Gandhi taught nonviolence and love, which he defined as his purpose on earth (Merton 28). Furthermore, Gandhi not only taught non-violence but also emphasized on character building to train the body, mind and soul. Ultimately, his goal was to teach ahimsa and Satyagraha so that India could become the first non-violent state and this is what he attempted to do until his assassination in 1948. In conclusion, his teachings not only affected India but also inspired the whole world which is witnessing India's struggle. their nation and were saddened by his death. As mentioned earlier, Gandhi did not approve of violence; therefore, he approved of the war even less. He argued that dying through nonviolence required far more courage than dying for a violent cause. For example, Gandhi helped liberate his people in South Africa and then India through the use of passive resistance, which involved breaking the law to get it changed (Ackerman and Duvall 64). Gandhi lived through the First and Second World Wars; he thus saw the progress of nuclear weapons. Ultimately, Gandhi is against the atomic bomb and believes it would be the end of humanity. Irrevocably, the bomb goes against its principles of peace, education and means of non-violence. Next, noble and public intellectual Bertrand Russell questions the role of God and its relationship to peace. Russell does not believe that God is involved in the good or evil of this world (Russell 31). Therefore, Russell believes that peace can be achieved if religion is abolished and people are freed from righteousness. For example, Russell defines rational thought as something that can be quietly expected. When actions arecommitted quickly and with passion, they are generally irrational and lack conviction. Thus, it emphasizes logic to define our actions and revokes the involvement of a higher power that influences the good and bad actions of individuals. Continuing, Bertrand Russell was a very educated man. He taught at one of the most elite schools in the world and published numerous works. Ergo, he pleaded for citizens' access to information and the transmission of knowledge. He argued that by eliminating the Church it would allow people to receive a proper education. Additionally,Russell believed that if we teach children from a young age to be peaceful, kind, and use logic, it will therefore create more nonviolent adults (Russell 36). On the other hand, Russell also argues that a society that uses only science and logic limits individuals to only following the rules set out for them and therefore will never experience free will. Certainly, a good education and the ability to choose are among Russell's most important concepts in understanding his worldview. In addition, Bertrand Russell condemns the war. Although he accepts that part of being human is fear, vanity, and hatred, he asserts that it is how we express these characteristics that defines who we are (Russell 34). As mentioned previously, Russell believes that righteousness controls the essence of individuals; therefore, religion impairs their judgment and divides people, which can lead to conflict. Thus, Russell blames Christianity for the intolerance in the world. In conclusion, Russell argued that the atomic bomb would mean the end of the human race (Einstein and Russell), which he publicly revealed with the publication of the Einstein and Russell Manifesto in 1955. Naturally, his opposition to war and the use of the atomic bomb is This is also what links this secular humanist to our religious humanist. Certainly, the views of Gandhi and Russell are similar as both focus on the crucial importance of non-violence. However, one of the differences between their principles is Gandhi's dedication to Satyagraha, which is the way of God; while Russell strictly believes that religion is a source of conflict that will not allow peace. Moreover, Gandhi believes in educating the mind along the path of ahimsa, as this is his God-given purpose on earth and he is to help others follow the path of truth. In comparison, Russell proposes the elimination of religion within the education system because it clouds the judgment of individuals. However, both agree that education should be caring, warm, peaceful and logical. Finally, because both humanists are pacifists, they are both opposed to war. To liberate his people, Gandhi practiced Passive Resistance and disapproved of cowardice. He believed that dying for a cause in the manner of ahimsa was the noblest way to die and the way to attain heaven. Russell, for his part, recognizes that fear and hatred are part of human characteristics, but that war is not the appropriate means to unleash such violent intentions. Furthermore, Russell believes that much of the conflict created was caused by Christianity and its intolerance. The last similarity to recognize is the fear of the atomic bomb. Both Gandhi and Russell believed that this weapon would cause violence to innocent people and could also lead to the destruction of humanity. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion,»., 1965.