The Case for Emotional Pacifism in War | Martha Nussbaum
Our World is On the Brink of War
With the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, the world has become kinetic once more. Benjamin Britten wrote his famous War Requiem for times just like ours. Britten composed the piece in the shadow of WWII to mourn its horrors, and it remains a haunting reminder of war’s devastation and the fragility of peace.
My guest today, Martha Nussbaum, explores how this masterpiece immortalizes the lessons of war and challenges us to reflect on peace, humanity, and the cost of forgetting history.
Topics we cover:
00:45 Why Britten’s War Requiem Matters Today
05:43 Is Pacifism a Privilege in a Violent World?
09:33 The Moral Dilemma of Just War Theory
13:01 Can Love Be Stronger Than Vengeance in War?
16:26 How Mandela’s Empathy Transformed South Africa
20:05 Why Avoiding Retribution Is Key to Lasting Peace
27:17 Britten’s Critique of Divine Wrath
31:07 How Britten Challenges Biblical Tradition
34:15 A Reformed Jewish Perspective on a Wrathful God
35:39 The Role of Music in Understanding War
38:32 How Britten Finds Beauty Amid Devastation
42:54 Radical Self-Affirmation: How to Thrive Amid Persecution
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