What War Taught Me

What War Taught Me about Peace

Robert Muller

Book Review

By Richard E. Noble

I first read this book about 10 or 15 years ago. I have never been able to forget it. I have just finished reading it for a second time for this review.

This is a passionate book written by a passionate and committed man.

Mr. Muller was born and raised in Alsace – Lorraine, a very small but very unique and interesting section of the world. This area has been constantly torn by war and it citizens recruited by varying occupying nations and flags throughout history. Often times in this area, men have served on different sides in the same war – brother or countrymen against countrymen. On occasions some of its countrymen have served on different sides in the same war.

Mr. Muller tells of going into a farm house and seeing a picture of General DeGaulle hanging up on the wall. When he turned the picture over he found a picture of Adolf Hitler on the back side. This was often the plight of the people from Alsace – Lorraine.

Mr. Muller was assistant Secretary–General to a number of different leaders of the United Nations. I feel that he wrote this book as a father talking to a son.

It is a very strong and powerful book. Mr. Muller saw war, killing, torture, execution and death. He wrote this book in honor of the fortieth anniversary of the United Nations and its commitment to bring peace to the world.

Some books I read might have one or two notable quotes. This book has one on nearly every page.

The chapter entitled The Supreme Test is haunting. In it the author describes people whom he witnessed going to their execution. He describes their behavior and his attempt to learn from them how to attain an honorable death for himself.

This book is very frank in its talk of war and inspiring it promotion of peace.
This is a man who devoted his life to the promotion of peace in the world.

This is also somewhat of a spiritual book. I usually turn away from such books. I am not very spiritual or religious but this man gives one of the best defenses from his spiritualism that I have ever read. It is very practical, human, pragmatic and earthly. His explanation of his spiritualism is one that even an atheist could embrace.

This is a very intelligent and experienced man with a message for all the people of the world.

I think this is a great book and I recommend it highly. Someone should pick this up and make it available once again. The man’s message is timeless.