Why is there war? Why does it seem that humanity does not learn from past mistakes? Why do so many civilians lose their lives in political campaigns of this kind? What can peace work against war look like? How can we help? Norwegian journalist Linn Stalsberg gets to the bottom of these questions in her essay “War is contempt for life”. The Humanist Association of Germany – Federal Association is pleased to welcome Linn Stalsberg together with interpreter Andreas Donat on May 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the House of HUMANISM at Potsdamer Straße 157 in Berlin.
Winning a war means destroying as many of the enemy’s people, homes and infrastructure as possible. The rampant militarization of our time is taking place in the midst of a major climate and natural crisis. Few things are as destructive to the planet as the arms industry.
If we want to put an end to all wars, we need to start talking about the realities and the actors of war and get to know those people who are or have been committed to peace.
Both the labor and women’s movements have traditionally fought for peace. Today, the peace movement must also ally itself with the environmental movement in the fight for all living things.
Important instruments are pacifism, non-violence and conscientious objection. But what do we really know about the great ideas behind peace work? How many of the brave people who refused to go to war and were punished for it do we really know?
The book is published by Kommode Verlag.
Linn Stalsberg is a well-known Norwegian journalist, sociologist, speaker and author. She has a master’s degree in sociology from the London School of Economics and has worked as a journalist for Verdens Gang, Dagbladet, NRK and Amnesty Norway. She is currently a freelance author and columnist, writing for the left-wing Norwegian newspaper Klassekampen, among others. In her books she criticizes neo-liberalism and the capitalist system of the West.
War is contempt for life. An essay on peace
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6 p.m.
Haus des HUMANISMUS, Potsdamer Straße 157 10783 Berlin
Free admission. Registration is not required.
You are very welcome! We look forward to your participation.
