Peace education requires immersion in the stories, philosophies, and histories that have shaped peaceful movements. The following resources were recommended by Peace Source as essential reading for anyone committed to understanding and advancing the cause of peace.
Recommended Books
Life and Death
A profound novel exploring the human condition during WWII, referenced in Peace Source's original content for its powerful exploration of the universal human family.
The Reagan Diaries
Revealing Reagan's private stance on nuclear weapons—that he would never authorize their use, even if attacked. A key reference in the original disarmament advocacy.
An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth
Gandhi's own account of developing Satyagraha and nonviolent resistance—essential reading for any peace advocate.
Stride Toward Freedom
Dr. King's account of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the development of American nonviolent resistance.
Hiroshima
Groundbreaking journalism following six survivors of the atomic bomb—a powerful reminder of why nuclear disarmament matters.
Films & Documentaries
Visual media played an important role in Peace Source's education efforts. The following films were recommended for their powerful portrayal of peace themes:
- A-Bomb Movies and Peace Materials (documentary collection)
- Voices of Hiroshima (YouTube archive)
- Peace Initiative Documentary (collaborative project)
- Films for Cross-Cultural Understanding series
The Power of Peace Literature
"Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled, thought and speculation at a standstill." — Barbara Tuchman
Reading about peace is not passive—it's preparation for action. Every peace movement has been sustained by ideas passed down through literature, from ancient philosophy to modern memoirs of activists.
Building Your Peace Library
For those looking to deepen their understanding of peace, we recommend starting with:
- Personal narratives — Stories of those who lived through conflict and chose peace
- Philosophy — Foundational texts on nonviolence from Gandhi, King, and others
- History — Accounts of successful peace movements and their strategies
- Contemporary analysis — Modern perspectives on conflict resolution and peacebuilding