Are We Done Fighting? provides research, practical activities, and inspirational stories of success for cultivating inner change and spreading peace at the community level and beyond. Essential for everyone working to build understanding as an antidote to the politics of hate and division.
"A fresh, studious and very readable book on how to live peace in today's chaotic world. Matthew Legge's helpful hints for individual or group action are in the best Quaker tradition."
--Hon. Douglas Roche, O.C., former Senator and former Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament
"No, we are not done fighting, but we can fight in a better way. This book tells you how."
--Johan Galtung, founder of the academic discipline of Peace Studies, and founder, Transcend International
"I recommend this extremely inspirational, accessible study book with its extensive practical exercises. I love the way it accepts that peace is possible, so in an interdependent world, it is everyone's responsibility to create positive change that fosters sustainable peace."
--Professor Elisabeth Porter, University of South Australia
"This book is a joy. ...[it] offers new material (stories and science) to those who have been doing this work for years, and a great way into peace for those just getting started. I especially appreciate the group discussions and exercises. No one should do peacework alone!"
--Stephanie Van Hook, Executive Director, Metta Center for Nonviolence
"...an invaluable contribution to the ongoing quest to ensure peacemaking rather than violence is utilised to resolve conflicts, be they between individuals, groups or nations."
--Andrew Feinstein, author The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade
"This transformative book presents a refreshing and innovative exploration of how to visualize and actualize peace in global society, in our families and relationships, and in our own minds."
--Douglas P. Fry, author, Beyond War, and co-author, Nurturing Our Humanity
"... a much-needed antidote to the risk of depression and despair. In page after page, and with a multitude of sources to back up the arguments, Matthew Legge gives us plenty of hope stemming from experience. "
--Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor, Peace Studies, Bradford University, UK
"This is the book many peace, justice, and reconciliation advocates have waited for. Enabling, practical, and clear-minded, Matthew Legge offers readers--individuals or groups--a road map to transform our deepest conflicts."
--Paul R. Dekar, Emeritus Professor and co-founder, Peace Studies program, McMaster University, Canada
"... exceptionally valuable and timely ...Matthew Legge offers practical solutions that make a difference in our own lives and in the broader communities that surround us. ... Not only to be read, but put into action."
--Alex Neve, O.C., human rights lawyer and Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada
"For those who are working to decrease the madness of violence and increase the sanity of peace, lock arms today with Matthew Legge. Tomorrow is too late."
--Colman McCarthy, Director, The Center for Teaching Peace, Washington D.C.
About the Author:
Matthew Legge has worked in the nonprofit sector for the last 13 years, with a focus on helping people thrive through the full enjoyment of health, dignity, and rights. Since 2012, he has worked with Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC), the peace and social justice agency of the Religious Society of Friends in Canada (Quakers). Quakers are widely respected for their efforts to prevent war and transform conflicts, as well as their impartial support for war victims. As CFSC's Peace Program Coordinator, Matthew has had the opportunity to learn from Quakers across Canada and in the US, Europe, and Africa. He holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Toronto and served for six years on the board of directors of the Ontario Council for International Cooperation, where he helped develop anti-oppression strategies. Matthew lives in Toronto, Canada.