David Cadman

This timely book offers an intelligible narrative of peacefulness. These stories not only resonate with deep human needs and spiritual longing but also inspire the reader to reimagine the possibility of global peace. In contrast to 20th century peace studies, which were often undertaken within the context of warfare and violence, this book argues that peace is the most fundamental of all human values and peacefulness an inherent human virtue and disposition, and a primary character of the universe. At the same time, it proposes that peace cannot be fully expressed as our innate state of being without it being also the structural condition of the society and vice versa. Drawing on ideas and insights from wide ranging sources, including interdisciplinary literature, wisdom in spiritual traditions, international peacebuilding practices and healing experiences of individuals and communities, the authors put forward a compelling case for lasting peace on our planet. Therefore, this book will appeal to students and scholars, peacebuilders and peace practitioners, leaders, educators and anyone who is interested in transformative understanding and practices of peace and peacefulness. Indeed, if the limit of our imagination is the limit of our future, then the hope here is that the book and its narrative will put wings on our shared vision for a truly peaceful and flourishing world.

For the first time, the speeches of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales are being made available in a two-volume set in a collaborative effort by the University of Wales and the University of Maryland. Professors Suheil Bushrui and David Cadman have brought together a selection of speeches and articles by The Prince of Wales covering a period of over forty years, gathered together under headings that cover his principal interests and activities: the natural environment, expressed both as farming, forestry and fisheries, and then as climate change; architecture and the built environment; integrated medicine and health; society, religion and tradition; education, The Prince’s Trust and Business in the Community. These volumes, intended as a work of reference, show The Prince of Wales as his ideas, knowledge and experience develop, from his first speech at the age of twenty in 1968 to his more recent speeches in 2012. What is most noteworthy, however, is that though the style of the speeches and articles have changed over the years, the overall message has remained consistent – not only in terms of environmental degradation and climate change, but also in matters relating to healthcare, urban form, organic farming and the need for greater respect and understanding between religions – all of which speaks volumes for The Prince’s passion for and commitment to what he believes, even in times when his ideas were unconventional.