Arnold J Toynbee was a historian whose 12-volume A Study of History had a huge impact on the thinking of his day. This epic, multi-volume work offered a grand synthesis of world history from the global perspective of the rise and fall of civilizations, rather than concentrating on the history of nation-states or of ethnic groups. For Time magazine Toynbee was 'an international sage' and certainly in the same bracket as 'Einstein, Schweitzer or Bertrand Russell'. Daisaku Ikeda is a figure (...) of global stature, the spiritual leader of a worldwide lay Buddhist organisation devoted to the promotion of education, culture and peace. Between 1971 and 1974 Toynbee and Ikeda discussed many of the vital issues which confronted their societies in the early 1970s, all of which remain current and significant. Indeed, topics such as the problems of pollution, dwindling natural resources, conflict and war, the role of religion, and population growth, are even more pressing than they were thirty years ago. In this volume - which still reads as freshly as it did when it was first published, and which is now reissued for a new generation of readers - the inspiring challenge issued by both men is framed as follows: will humankind choose to salvage its destiny by a revolution in thinking and morals? Or will disaster ensue if it pursues its present course towards self-destruction and the despoliation of the environment? While recognising that our survival is threatened by the imbalance between human immaturity and technological achievement, the optimistic message of this classic Dialogue is that man-made evils have a man-made cure. (shrink)

Children will appreciate the conversational tone of this collection of personal essays written just for them by one of world's great philosophers, Daisaku Ikeda. "Let's begin our talk," he writes, "as if we were strolling together under clear blue skies." The author's love, respect and high hopes for boys and girls fill every page. At every turn, children will be inspired to think about life and their role in the world in ways, perhaps, they've never thought of before. As a (...) man of peace himself, Mr. Ikeda sees children as the successors in bringing justice, kindness, and happiness to people everywhere. And he challenges children to take always try hard and develop themselves--each in their own unique way--so that they can live lives of true fulfillment. Drawing on episodes from the author's life, from great literature, and from Buddhist stories, these essays touch on a variety of topics, such as appreciation, the arts, adventure, courage, history, responsibility. No matter the topic, the overall message comes through: your life is precious, never lose hope, accomplish great things. (shrink)

A new selection of writings on education by Buddhist philosopher and founder of Soka University, Daisaku Ikeda. Culled from some five decades of the author's works, this collection presents educational proposals, lectures to university students, and personal essays. The author delves not only into the meaning of Soka (value-creating) education but offers a hopeful vision of the power of education to bring happiness to the individual and peace to the world.

A new selection of writings on education by Buddhist philosopher and founder of Soka University, Daisaku Ikeda. Culled from some five decades of the author's works, this collection presents educational proposals, lectures to university students, and personal essays. The author delves not only into the meaning of Soka (value-creating) education but offers a hopeful vision of the power of education to bring happiness to the individual and peace to the world.