The Purpose (ENG) | Jakten efter den förlorade motkraften

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Background and purpose of this website

The heartbreaking experience is etched in my memory. In Rwanda in 1994, during the genocide. I had the opportunity to travel around the country. I saw the devastation and the remains of many lives lost.

This was the worst possible consequences of unchecked polarisation. The questions struck me with full force: How could people commit such unimaginable cruelty? How can we prevent such tragedies from happening again? I became determined to search for answers.

This website, The Quest for the Lost Counterforce, explores a timeless and classic way of building resilience against polarisation, populism and fascism. It reveals a forgotten yet powerful way to cultivate hope and create a better future.

Come along on a journey of discovery!

The quest begins here!

7 Timeless Antidotes to the
Follies of Polarisation

ABOUT ME. My name is Erik Pleijel. My interest is in theology and philosophy that can be rooted in everyday life. I have done some work in programming and in water supply in Africa.

In this book, I share my experiences:

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ADVENTURES AND REFLECTIONS is a book of stories from places around the world where adventure is part of everyday life. We follow the author as he works with water supply and goes through turbulent experiences. He walks among dead bodies in Rwanda and reflects on the problem of evil. He visits hermetically sealed North Korea and ponders the problem of "cultural inbreeding". Walks in the mountains of Nepal with mules and Maoist rebels inspire a search for the foundations of democracy. In the Sudanese desert, he is saved by a "miracle" that leads him to reflect on faith and science. The book concludes with a powerful appeal for better aid to poor countries. This is a book for anyone who wants to be a realistic idealist!

From reviews about the book:

In fast-moving, sometimes dramatic texts , he takes us to genocidal Rwanda, civil war Sri Lanka and an absurdly closed North Korea. ... But he is not an ordinary technology nerd, rather a humanist, philosopher and theologian. Who thrives on human diversity, listens, learns, reflects and tries to empathise with the history and identity of other individuals and cultures. ... [Swedish prime minister], give this book to your minister for international development! Column in Bohusl newspaper (6 Oct 2014), by Stefan Edman.

Based on his life experience, he reflects on aid, philosophy and Christian faith on a Lutheran basis. It is a wise man who writes and his wisdom is often easily transferable to everyday life in Sweden. Review in KT, the Swedish church newspaper (34-2014), by Mikael Mogren (Bishop).

As you follow ”the Quest for the Lost Counterforce” you will learn more about this book and my experiences. You will also be able to read some chapters.

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7 Timeless Antidotes to the Follies of Polarisation by Erik Pleijel is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Illustrations: Cartoon boy: VectorStock; Cartoon queen, sloth: FriendlyStock; Cartoon priest: Copyright Brad Fitzpatrick; Aristotle Kaio hfd CC BY-SA 3.0; Luther, Melanchthon, Erasmus, School in Athens, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, Andromeda galaxy, ospreys: Public Domain according to Wikipedia; Other illustrations: CC0 Erik Pleijel.

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