Good Citizens

A Zen monk and peace activist shares his vision for creating a peaceful, globalized world through nonviolent communication and a shared moral code

In Good Citizens, Thich Nhat Hanh lays out the foundation for an international solidarity movement based on a shared sense of compassion, mindful consumption, and right action. Following these principles, he believes, is the path to world peace.

While based on the basic Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path, Thich Nhat Hanh boldly leaves Buddhist terms behind as he offers his contribution to the creation of a truly global and nondenominational blueprint to overcoming deep-seated divisions and a vision of a world in harmony and the preservation of the planet. Key topics include:

• the true root causes of discrimination
• the exploration of the various forms of violence (economic, social, and sexual)
• how to practice nonviolence in all daily interactions and resolve conflicts through generosity, deep listening, and loving speech
• using the Five Mindfulness Trainings (traditionally called “precepts”) as practical guidelines of ethical conduct

Good Citizens reaches across all political backgrounds and faith traditions. It shows that dualistic thinking—Republican/Democrat, Christian/Muslim—creates tension and a false sense of separateness. When we realize that we share a common ethic and moral code, we can create a community that can change the world.