Among the following, who is related to 'Pacifism'?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910), the great Russian novelist and thinker, is deeply associated with the philosophy of Christian anarchism and radical pacifism, or nonviolence. His theory of nonviolence, which he developed later in his life, stemmed from a profound rejection of all forms of violence, particularly those executed by the state. Tolstoy's pacifism was rooted in his literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, especially the commandment "resist not evil." He believed that the state, built upon coercion, military power, and taxes, was fundamentally an institution of violence, and thus, true moral consciousness required non-participation in its functions, including military service and judicial processes. His ideas, articulated in works like *The Kingdom of God Is Within You*, went beyond simple opposition to war; they advocated for absolute nonresistance to evil by force. This radical commitment to nonviolence exerted significant influence on subsequent global pacifist leaders, most famously Mahatma Gandhi. Therefore, among the options provided, Tolstoy is the definitive historical figure associated with the philosophy of Pacifism.

The incorrect option is 2:

Mikhail Bakunin (1814–1876) was a prominent Russian revolutionary anarchist. While Bakunin opposed the state like Tolstoy, his political philosophy centered on the need for violent social revolution to abolish all forms of authority, including the state and private property, and establish a stateless, socialist society. Anarchism, in Bakunin's revolutionary sense, relies on direct action, including insurrection and revolutionary violence, to overthrow existing power structures. This active, revolutionary approach is fundamentally incompatible with the principles of pacifism, which strictly adheres to nonviolence and nonresistance as a moral and political stance. Bakunin's methodology required the violent destruction of the old order, placing him firmly outside the camp of Pacifism.

The incorrect option is 3:

Benito Mussolini (1883–1945) was the founder of Fascism and the totalitarian leader of Italy. Fascism is an ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, totalitarianism, militarism, and imperialism. Mussolini glorified war, viewing it as the highest expression of a nation's strength and a necessary tool for imperial expansion and national vitality. His regime built a powerful military and engaged in aggressive foreign policies. This ideology is the polar opposite of Pacifism, which condemns war and violence in all circumstances. His core political beliefs embraced expansionism and militarism, making him strongly anti-pacifist.

The incorrect option is 4:

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) was an influential German philosopher whose political thought is characterized by his emphasis on the state as the highest embodiment of rational ethical life. Far from advocating pacifism, Hegel viewed war not merely as a necessary evil, but sometimes as an ethical event that allowed the State to assert its sovereignty and maintain its health. He famously suggested that war prevents a nation from becoming stagnant, serving as a powerful moral purgative. His philosophy thus elevates the role of the state and military conflict in historical development and morality, which fundamentally contradicts the core tenets of pacifism.