Who is Lanza del Vasto in Philosophy?
Lanza del Vasto was a French philosopher, poet, writer and political activist, born in 1901 and died in 1981. He is known for his contribution to philosophy and non-violent action, being one of the main disciples and followers of Mahatma Gandhi. Del Vasto dedicated his life to promoting peace, social justice, and nonviolence as a means of personal and social transformation.
The Life of Lanza del Vasto
Lanza del Vasto was born in San Vito dei Normanni, Italy, and moved to France when he was a child. He studied philosophy at the University of Paris and became involved in the surrealist movement, where he met André Breton and other influential artists and intellectuals of the time. However, his experience in World War II led him to question violence and seek a more peaceful approach to life.
The Influence of Mahatma Gandhi
After the war, Lanza del Vasto traveled to India, where he met Mahatma Gandhi and became his disciple. Gandhi was a great influence on his life and philosophy, teaching him the principles of non-violence and peaceful resistance. Del Vasto adopted the name “Shantidas” (Servant of Peace) and dedicated himself to promoting non-violence as a form of social transformation.
The Philosophy of Non-Violence
Lanza del Vasto's philosophy of non-violence is based on the principles of love, respect, compassion and justice. He believed that non-violence was the only way to achieve true peace and justice in the world. Del Vasto advocated peaceful resistance as a form of protest against oppression and injustice, and believed that nonviolence was a powerful force that could transform individuals and societies.
The Ark Community
In 1948, Lanza del Vasto founded the Community of Ark, a community based on the principles of non-violence, simplicity and self-sufficiency. The community was a place where people could live by the values of nonviolence and work together to promote peace and justice. The Ark Community has become a training center for nonviolent action and a meeting place for activists and thinkers committed to social transformation.
Works by Lanza del Vasto
Lanza del Vasto has written several books on philosophy, spirituality and non-violence. His best-known works include “The Return of the King” and “The Strength of Non-Violent”. In these books, del Vasto explores the principles of nonviolence and offers practical guidance for those who wish to adopt a nonviolent approach to life.
The Legacy of Lanza del Vasto
Lanza del Vasto's legacy in philosophy is that of a passionate advocate of nonviolence and peace. His holistic approach to nonviolence, which includes spiritual, political and social aspects, continues to inspire activists and thinkers around the world. Del Vasto believed that nonviolence was a powerful force that could transform the world and promote lasting justice and peace.
The Relevance of Lanza del Vasto Today
Today, more than ever, Lanza del Vasto's philosophy is relevant. In a world marked by conflict, injustice and violence, non-violence offers a powerful and effective alternative for social transformation. The principles of non-violence, such as respect for human rights, social justice and peaceful resistance, continue to be fundamental to building a more just and peaceful world.
The Importance of Studying the Philosophy of Lanza del Vasto
Studying Lanza del Vasto's philosophy is important because it helps us understand the principles of nonviolence and apply them to our daily lives. Through studying his works and ideas, we can learn to cultivate inner peace, promote social justice, and peacefully resist oppression. Lanza del Vasto's philosophy invites us to reflect on the power of non-violence and seek peaceful solutions to the challenges we face as individuals and as a society.
Conclusion
In short, Lanza del Vasto was a philosopher and political activist who dedicated his life to promoting non-violence and peace. His philosophy, based on the principles of non-violence, love and justice, continues to be relevant and inspiring today. Studying his works and ideas invites us to reflect on the power of non-violence and to seek peaceful solutions to the challenges we face. Lanza del Vasto's philosophy reminds us that nonviolence is a powerful force that can transform individuals and societies, and invites us to adopt a nonviolent approach to life.
