Adam Curle (1916–2006)

Many of us do not know how to transform our capacity as human beings to hurt each other, into a potential to heal. Whether we are soldiers in uniform mandated to keep the peace, or diplomats involved in delicate negotiations or advisers counselling the abused, or couples struggling to save a relationship---what we are short of is a set of principles to guide us through the maze of feelings that violence produces---feelings that have evolved through eons of development as Homo Sapiens. What show more Adam Curle sets out in this book are the foundations of such a set of principles. Most fundamentally he shows us through the example of his work in Croatia that change takes place not because of Treaties, or inventions, or rationally devised solutions, but through the transformation of the individual.
Adam Curle has held chairs in psychology, education, development studies and peace studies in the Universities of Exeter, Ghana, Harvard and Bradford. He has worked as a mediator and peace activist in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Sri Lanka and most recently in the former Yugoslavia show less

The end of the Cold War has not brought peace to the planet as was briefly hoped. Instead, horrifying and often seemingly pointless violence is all too common. Curle argues that much contemporary violence stems from alienation. Political processes alone cannot end such violence. Lasting peace requires "widespread changes of heart."[p. 5] Based largely on his experiences in the former Yugoslavia, Curle argues that such changes are possible, and offers a model approach to peacemaking in an era show more of alienation.urle reviews forms and sources of violent conflict from early history to current times. While human nature has remained the same, contexts have changed drastically, and so then has the nature of violence. He discusses the violence of states and the role that global militarization plays in increasing violence. The speed of social and technological change has also played a role in producing modern forms of violence. Curle argues that these factors have left many people alienated from society and their common humanity. Alienated people have a damaged sense of relatedness to others, and so are particularly prone to unpeaceful relations and violence. show less

Adam Curle was a Quaker mediator for thirty years, a job that paid no salary, though his no-frills travel expenses were customarily covered by the parties requesting the mediation. Tools for Transformation is memoir only to the extent that his experiences serve as examples for his message: how to live a peaceful life—as an individual, a community, a nation. In his retirement, Curle has taken up the study of Buddhism, which he has usefully employed in his outline of constructive change that show more can transform our world into a less violent landscape. As the back cover states, he "blends the influences of contemporary depth psychology, modern physics, Buddhism and Quaker practice." This is a fine volume for nudging along personal growth, as well as an inspiring text for group discussion. show less

Adam Curle shares his experience of his life's work in mediation, development, and education and suggests avenues for constructive change.