Yes, another Dalai Lama inspired thread. What can I say, he's a smart man

Quote Originally Posted by Dalai Lama via Facebook
The use of force is a last resort. One aspect of violence is that it is unpredictable. Although your initial intention may be to use limited force, once you have engaged in violence the consequences are unpredictable. Violence always brings about unexpected results and almost always provokes retaliation.
I came to the same conclusion growing up in violent surroundings, and watching people handicap themselves with anger and violent reactions throughout my life. There are situations where the use of force is understandable and justified (idealists may disagree), but few if any in which it is the wisest or most productive option. Whenever we engage in violence, we forfeit control of the situation and are all but certain to share in the suffering it produces.

The unpredictable nature of violence is especially relevant to war. War is generally undertaken with a desired end result (paradoxically, one of the goals is almost always a reduction in violence), but how can we work toward a fixed goal if our means are a roll of the dice, and the dice are weighted in favor of generating more violence?

Many people feel they make themselves vulnerable by taking the option of force off the table (whether personally or as a community/nation), but as a known pacifist who regularly socializes with bikers, veterans, ex-convicts, alcoholics, and various combinations of the above, I can tell you my experience has been the opposite.

Anyone agree, disagree, or have any stories that demonstrate the value of either violence or nonviolence?