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I'd Rather Teach Peace by Colman McCarthy
"In 1982 Washington Post columnist Colman McCarthy was invited to teach a course on writing at an impoverished public school in Washington D.C. He responded, "I'd rather teach peace." Since then, he has had more than 5,000 students in his classes on nonviolence, pacifism, and conflict management." I'd Rather Teach Peace is the story of one man's passion for peace education, as seen during one semester in six schools where risk-taking students found themselves challenged and inspired by an unconventional course and by a man who believes that if we don't teach our children peace someone else will teach them violence.
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First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 14, 2023
exceedingly idealistic but… i am of the opinion that we live in a world that could use a heavy dose of exceeding idealism :)
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May 13, 2008Hm. A little inspiring, a little tame. Probably much more invigorating to the aspiring peace teacher. But more pointed and aggressive than I'd expected from a columnist from the Washington Post.
I told Ryan I was reading this and he made some grumbling noises about people who do other careers, then teach for a year and write a best seller. This is a bit better than what I imagine that lot to be, but still an important critique. On the other hand (and maybe most personally relevant to me now...) McCarthy concludes by stating that the only way he was able to be so successful in bringing Peace Studies to such varied audiences (public high schools, colleges, law schools, prison schools) was by NOT making it his primary career. Interesting. Sorta how I feel about culture making in general? IE the corrupting influence of the wage/salary/"living"?
I'm keeping it on the shelf, I suspect I may revisit over the coming years.
I told Ryan I was reading this and he made some grumbling noises about people who do other careers, then teach for a year and write a best seller. This is a bit better than what I imagine that lot to be, but still an important critique. On the other hand (and maybe most personally relevant to me now...) McCarthy concludes by stating that the only way he was able to be so successful in bringing Peace Studies to such varied audiences (public high schools, colleges, law schools, prison schools) was by NOT making it his primary career. Interesting. Sorta how I feel about culture making in general? IE the corrupting influence of the wage/salary/"living"?
I'm keeping it on the shelf, I suspect I may revisit over the coming years.
June 15, 2011
If you have a shred of idealism, read I’d Rather Teach Peace by Coleman McCarthy. The idealistic part of you will love you for it. It made me admire Colman McCarthy all over again. This book and its nonviolent message deserve every one of the five stars I am giving it.
I am a lapsed peace activist. I have retreated to primarily being a financial contributor to the peace and justice movement. I am proud of my past activities and actions for peace that included community organizing and civil disobedience. I am willing to bet that, like me, Coleman McCarthy would like to do more. I try not to feel too guilty that I am merely a cheerleader. Books like I’d Rather Teach Peace remind me of my heritage of radical activism and give me hope that a new generation will take the struggle from the present to the future.
Colman McCarthy was, for many years, a syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. He still writes occasional op-ed pieces. Last I heard he was teaching peace studies classes in high schools and colleges and speaking regularly at conferences. I once sat in on one of his classes in Bethesda, Maryland. I wanted to work out a partnership with Colman so we could do this work together. We talked about my proposal but Colman chose to continue volunteer teaching on his own, funded by a small non-profit, the Center for Teaching Peace, run out of his home. I was disappointed since I was sure he would want someone to join him in his work. I experienced rejection, something that many have to deal on a daily basis. But McCarthy remains a guide as to how someone can reach out to the entire age range of students and show them another way to think about the world. He teaches them about Gandhi, about King, about Dorothy Day, about the Berrigan brothers, and other people who chose a path of nonviolence.
This is a how-to book. It shows by example how to teach nonviolence from preschool to law school. You get to sit in on the classes. The author has years of experience teaching peace and shares those experiences with us. And in that sharing, he teaches us about peace and nonviolence. It is an idea that is not in the main stream of American life. Pacifism is not something that boys and girls aspire to. McCarthy says that we have to change that, one person at a time, if we are to change the world. The book delves into animal rights, prisons and the justice system, the death penalty, the honor of teaching. These are all part of the realm of nonviolence.
Why should you read this book? You want to learn about the history of nonviolent action. You want to learn about peaceful alternatives to war and violence. You are interested in contributing in some way to making a more peaceful society. You hope to become a better person and make a difference in the world. You want to achieve a greater awareness of the world. You want to further your own spirituality. You want to broaden your view of the political spectrum. These are some of the reasons students told McCarthy they had enrolled in his peace education classes. If you read this 140 page book, you will probably find yourself learning and changing. You will be encouraged to do something.
I am a lapsed peace activist. I have retreated to primarily being a financial contributor to the peace and justice movement. I am proud of my past activities and actions for peace that included community organizing and civil disobedience. I am willing to bet that, like me, Coleman McCarthy would like to do more. I try not to feel too guilty that I am merely a cheerleader. Books like I’d Rather Teach Peace remind me of my heritage of radical activism and give me hope that a new generation will take the struggle from the present to the future.
Colman McCarthy was, for many years, a syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. He still writes occasional op-ed pieces. Last I heard he was teaching peace studies classes in high schools and colleges and speaking regularly at conferences. I once sat in on one of his classes in Bethesda, Maryland. I wanted to work out a partnership with Colman so we could do this work together. We talked about my proposal but Colman chose to continue volunteer teaching on his own, funded by a small non-profit, the Center for Teaching Peace, run out of his home. I was disappointed since I was sure he would want someone to join him in his work. I experienced rejection, something that many have to deal on a daily basis. But McCarthy remains a guide as to how someone can reach out to the entire age range of students and show them another way to think about the world. He teaches them about Gandhi, about King, about Dorothy Day, about the Berrigan brothers, and other people who chose a path of nonviolence.
This is a how-to book. It shows by example how to teach nonviolence from preschool to law school. You get to sit in on the classes. The author has years of experience teaching peace and shares those experiences with us. And in that sharing, he teaches us about peace and nonviolence. It is an idea that is not in the main stream of American life. Pacifism is not something that boys and girls aspire to. McCarthy says that we have to change that, one person at a time, if we are to change the world. The book delves into animal rights, prisons and the justice system, the death penalty, the honor of teaching. These are all part of the realm of nonviolence.
Why should you read this book? You want to learn about the history of nonviolent action. You want to learn about peaceful alternatives to war and violence. You are interested in contributing in some way to making a more peaceful society. You hope to become a better person and make a difference in the world. You want to achieve a greater awareness of the world. You want to further your own spirituality. You want to broaden your view of the political spectrum. These are some of the reasons students told McCarthy they had enrolled in his peace education classes. If you read this 140 page book, you will probably find yourself learning and changing. You will be encouraged to do something.
December 19, 2012
When the now retired Washington Post columnist Colman McCarthy was asked to teach a class on writing at Washington's School without Walls, he reportedly responded, "I'd rather teach peace."
This book is a collection of lectures given over a period of time to students all across the country. McCarthy believes if we don't teach peace to our children, someone will teach them violence. He's adamantly against war and lectures on non-violence, conflict resolution, and pacifism. My favorite lecture was one that included an exercise to cause students to reflect on the manipulation of authority.
Excellent book - it should be required reading for all high school students.
This book is a collection of lectures given over a period of time to students all across the country. McCarthy believes if we don't teach peace to our children, someone will teach them violence. He's adamantly against war and lectures on non-violence, conflict resolution, and pacifism. My favorite lecture was one that included an exercise to cause students to reflect on the manipulation of authority.
Excellent book - it should be required reading for all high school students.
November 2, 2008
"Tolstoy's, "Patriotism or Peace" equates personal egotism with national egotism. egomaniacs who are self-absorbed, who boast in subtle or obvious ways about their superority are seen as irrational, while collectively a nation can do the same and claim it as patriotism."
"Self-reflection, which is essential both for personality developement and change, is hard at any age..."
"People in non-violent struggles are not unarmed. They are simply not armed with violent weapons."
"Self-reflection, which is essential both for personality developement and change, is hard at any age..."
"People in non-violent struggles are not unarmed. They are simply not armed with violent weapons."
April 12, 2009
if you teach social justice at any level, or wish to incorporate social justice in your classroom for any subject, please read this book.
November 21, 2023
A memoir of sorts that advocates for peace education. The basis for its position is that much of life (from cartoons to competitive sports, from domestic unrest to international politics) is implicitly an education in the use of force. Therefore, we are already indoctrinated in the ways of violence. To learn peace requires curiosity, commitment, and practice. The good news is that there already exists a rich tradition of peacemaking and nonviolence and a wealth of literature. This memoir serves indirectly as a primer toward this alternative canon of how we might relate with others.
What caught me by surprise is that this book is as much about learning (i.e., pedagogy) as it is about peace. One significant subtext of the book is that the prevailing modes of teaching today are violent, employing fear and force to achieve their narrow ends. For McCarthy, the method of teaching becomes its own end. By collaborating with students, inspiring their desire, and assisting them in their own discoveries, peace is practiced and learned.
What caught me by surprise is that this book is as much about learning (i.e., pedagogy) as it is about peace. One significant subtext of the book is that the prevailing modes of teaching today are violent, employing fear and force to achieve their narrow ends. For McCarthy, the method of teaching becomes its own end. By collaborating with students, inspiring their desire, and assisting them in their own discoveries, peace is practiced and learned.
January 16, 2025
I took Colman McCarthy's honors program course, Alternatives to Violence, at University of Maryland in fall 2011 and it had a significant impact on my worldview. It was one of the best and most memorable classes I've taken throughout K-12, college, and a master's degree. I must admit that I didn't always read thoroughly while in the class due to other pressures at the time, but I kept all of the course materials with the intention to read them all thoroughly "someday." They've stayed with me for 13 years, 4 states, and many moves at this point, and this was the first I'd read of the 3 books I have from the class. I was motivated to finally read it in early 2024 by watching the horrors taking place in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel. I'm glad I finally read it, and my enduring respect for Colman McCarthy has only grown. I loved reading about his work in D.C. schools, which I can't recall if he had spoken much about during the course in 2011. I hope he is doing well and that he is aware of just how many lives he has impacted throughout his long career.
July 17, 2017
I absolutely loved this book.
McCarthy shares with the reader what a semester of teaching peace is like. He discusses his tactics with different groups of children/teens/young adults. I liked a lot of his ideas. Many of them reminded me of the way I hear my grandfather talk - for example - McCarthy states that students should ask for a refund of their public education because they don't teach the other side. Students know all about war and war generals - but we don't learn about peace advocates - save Martin Luther King Jr. - but even then, we don't hear his anti-war messages.
This book is chalked full further resources, which is what I was primarily grateful for.
McCarthy shares with the reader what a semester of teaching peace is like. He discusses his tactics with different groups of children/teens/young adults. I liked a lot of his ideas. Many of them reminded me of the way I hear my grandfather talk - for example - McCarthy states that students should ask for a refund of their public education because they don't teach the other side. Students know all about war and war generals - but we don't learn about peace advocates - save Martin Luther King Jr. - but even then, we don't hear his anti-war messages.
This book is chalked full further resources, which is what I was primarily grateful for.
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March 27, 2021I wish there was more about his peace curriculum and a little less gushing about how many awards he won for said curriculum.. That said, it definitely provided lots of mentions of other authors and writings I hope to explore and learn more about, as well as plenty examples of how violence is normalized in society (from games, entertainment, common idioms, etc) and non-violence/peace truly is a more radical mindset.
July 25, 2020
I'm not sure he mentions his religion but I'd guess that McCarthy is the liberation theology type of Catholic.
While I don't think vegetarianism is necessary to be a peacemaker, his lessons and framework for nonviolence education are still relevant today (He started teaching the year I was born).
I wonder what he would be like in the classroom.
While I don't think vegetarianism is necessary to be a peacemaker, his lessons and framework for nonviolence education are still relevant today (He started teaching the year I was born).
I wonder what he would be like in the classroom.
December 28, 2020
Everyone should read this book!! I have always believed that violence is never the answer in solving problems, be they foreign or domestic in nature. I am a pacifist by nature. This book definitely let me know that I am not alone in my beliefs. Talk about an inspiring person! Colman McCarthy is awesome!
June 29, 2017
A must-read for anyone in education and anyone interested in peace studies or the promotion of peace studies.
March 18, 2020
Students who could never pass those $100 bill quizzes. Never got the message: it is people that matter.
December 31, 2020
This book has put me on a new path.
August 1, 2022
Absolutely adored this read. Not sure when I even picked up this book, but it finally came off my bookshelf and I am so glad it did.
December 26, 2008
This changed my perspective on the way I lived my life to the subject I wished to teach. I no longer saw history as a string of wars and economic crisis'. The work of Colman McCarthy inspired me to research and incorporate peace education into my daily teaching and my Masters project.
This book is excellent for anyone interested in breaking the pattern of apathy, whereever they encounter it. You don't have to be a teacher.
Like I said about the Alchemist...read it, it'll change your life.
This book is excellent for anyone interested in breaking the pattern of apathy, whereever they encounter it. You don't have to be a teacher.
Like I said about the Alchemist...read it, it'll change your life.
May 12, 2011
This is a short book based on real life experiences in his classrooms. I kept wanting to take notes or underline passages throughout the book. It was eye-opening to see how "violence" is built in to our culture.
I like a book that gives me a different perspective on how to see the world- "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and this book, to name two, have done that for me. This is a book to read more than once. I gave my copy away about 3 years ago and I never got it back!
I like a book that gives me a different perspective on how to see the world- "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and this book, to name two, have done that for me. This is a book to read more than once. I gave my copy away about 3 years ago and I never got it back!
July 2, 2014
This book is an inspiring collection of thoughts pulled from the mind of the wonderful Colman McCarthy. This book is well thought out and filled with shocking bits of knowledge that will make you think differently about the current state of our government, our peers and ourselves. I highly recommend this book to any person who desires to learn more about the world we live in and how to change it for the better.
April 7, 2008
Colman was the teacher that changed the direction of my life, and set me on the path that I'm now on today. Truly one of the best peace educators in the country today and still giving his life to this desperately needed work.
July 21, 2009
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
I have never sobbed through a book before, but it was well worth it. Every parent, teacher, student, (etc) should read this book. It truly made me think and really evaluate my life. (Sounds cheesy, but it's true!)
I have never sobbed through a book before, but it was well worth it. Every parent, teacher, student, (etc) should read this book. It truly made me think and really evaluate my life. (Sounds cheesy, but it's true!)
February 21, 2011
An excellent introduction to the idea of peace education and a variety of the topics it can encompass, written with passion and from experience. A worthwhile critique of public school curriculum and organization.
January 24, 2008
A thought-provoking read.
February 28, 2008
Love, Love, Love this book! It is short and a super fast read, but it will change the way you look at education forever. I've met the arthor and he is wonderful.
March 19, 2008
My ex-boyfriend gave me this and he's a teacher. It's inspiring and thoughtful and really makes you believe in the ideal of a more peaceful world.
August 7, 2010
My inspiration for teaching peace studies.
July 21, 2011
It's cliche - enough even to appear on the cover of the book - but this book really should be required reading for teachers.
February 11, 2012
What a great tome on teaching peace and the lasting effects it can have. I think I should start with my own home. This is a real motivator. I wish I could take his class.
December 20, 2012
A must for anyone interested in how to teach peaceful concepts in the classroom, or for anyone who wants to expand their views a little.
September 15, 2014
Good read. We need more teachers like this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews