Reviews

How to Fight by Thích Nhất Hạnh

nithesh_123's review against another edition

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5.0

The key takeaway from this book is the paradigm shift in my understanding of the basics regarding conflict management.

One has first to calm down and make peace with oneself. Next, one should recognise the fact that others are also suffering, and it is our job to reduce overall suffering in the world.

I like the concepts like 'Interbeing', 'Fresh Beginning', and 'Peace Treaty', which are part of the book. I like how the author has deconstructed the nature, management and consequences of a fight. It has changed the way I think about a 'fight'.

anniereadsnshares's review against another edition

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3.0

Beautifully written and vividly illustrated!

There are some quotes that make me fall in love:

“Very often in a conflict, we believe the problem is the other person or group. We think it is all their fault and that if they would just stop doing what they are doing or being the way they are, we would have peace and happiness. So we may be motivated by the desire to destroy the other side. We may wish they didn’t exist. But looking deeply, we know that we are not the only ones who have suffered—they have also suffered. When we take time to calm ourselves down and look deeply into the situation, we can see that we are co-responsible, that we have co-created the conflict by our way of thinking, acting, or speaking, either individually or as a group or nation.”

“The roots of discrimination, conflict, and war are not to be found outside us. They are within our own way of thinking and looking at the world. The real enemy is our ignorance, our attachment to views, and our wrong perceptions.”

“Hugging meditation is something to practice with people you love and trust, particularly if you have been upset with each other. To begin, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize yourself and your beloved three hundred years from now.

anniereadsnshares's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective relaxing

4.0

 Beautifully written and vividly illustrated!

There are some quotes that make me fall in love:

“Very often in a conflict, we believe the problem is the other person or group. We think it is all their fault and that if they would just stop doing what they are doing or being the way they are, we would have peace and happiness. So we may be motivated by the desire to destroy the other side. We may wish they didn’t exist. But looking deeply, we know that we are not the only ones who have suffered—they have also suffered. When we take time to calm ourselves down and look deeply into the situation, we can see that we are co-responsible, that we have co-created the conflict by our way of thinking, acting, or speaking, either individually or as a group or nation.”

“The roots of discrimination, conflict, and war are not to be found outside us. They are within our own way of thinking and looking at the world. The real enemy is our ignorance, our attachment to views, and our wrong perceptions.”

“Hugging meditation is something to practice with people you love and trust, particularly if you have been upset with each other. To begin, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and visualize yourself and your beloved three hundred years from now. 

ajgillespie3's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

melda_kelemcisoy's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ve just devoured another amazing book from Thich Nhat Hanh’s ‘mindfulness’ series. “How to Fight” has excellent anecdotes on cultivating loving-speech and transforming one’s anger into compassion and understanding.

riverofpages's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.0

kinzakhan's review against another edition

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4.0

Some repetition in the book and some parts may seem simple but you really have to meditate on them or think deeply about them, and then implement and try to remember them when it's applicable. The book encourages the reader to take responsibility for themselves, it emphasizes and helps with empathy, increases social intelligence as it provides insight about what the other person could be *really* feeling when engaging in conflict with you (this part was the best for me), and then at the end has some 'action item' ideas.

meggieblack's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

3.0

kakishort's review against another edition

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4.0

A short book, packed with wisdom to help build stronger relationships.

r_lumbrix's review against another edition

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4.0

Little book, LOTS of wisdom. Spoiler alert: it should actually be called How to NOT Fight. Instead of engaging in conflict, we are taught to practice mindful breathing and gently hold space for our anger. Do I thrive on conflict and therefore feel a little disappointed? YES. Does that exemplify why I need this book? Also, probably, yes.