“The contrast between Saladin’s taking of Jerusalem and the Crusaders’ taking of Jerusalem,” Avi continued, “teaches an important lesson: almost any behaviour – even behaviour as stark as war – can be done in two different ways.”
In “The Anatomy of Peace,” the book contrasts two dramatically different approaches to warfare as seen in the Crusades, vividly illustrating the stark divergence in human behaviour, even in conflict.
The Crusaders’ Way:
The book recounts the brutal siege and capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders in June of 1099. The Crusaders, upon breaching the city’s walls, unleashed a horrific massacre. Over two days, they slaughtered the majority of Jerusalem’s Muslim population.
The few survivors who were forced to dispose of the dead in mass graves were either killed or sold into slavery. The Jewish community suffered a similar fate, with many seeking refuge in a synagogue only to be burned alive. Local Christians, including priests overseeing holy sites, were not spared; they were expelled, tortured, and robbed of precious relics. This conquest marked the beginning of centuries of strife and is remembered in the Middle East as a symbol of Western aggression.
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Saladin’s Way:
In contrast, the book describes Saladin’s recapture of Jerusalem in 1187, highlighting his humane and ethical approach. When Balian of Ibelin, a Crusader leader, requested to retrieve his wife from Jerusalem, Saladin not only agreed but also allowed him to break his promise to not take up arms and even provided an escort for his wife’s safety.
During Saladin’s siege of Jerusalem, he instructed his forces to avoid harming any Christians or plundering their possessions. He ensured the protection of Christian holy places and welcomed defeated peoples to pilgrimage in Jerusalem. Furthermore, Saladin implemented a ransom system for the city’s inhabitants, setting low amounts to spare the poor and even letting many go without any ransom, much to his men’s dismay. He showed kindness to widows and children, sending them away with gifts, and allowed Balian to leave with a significant sum, protecting his journey.
These contrasting accounts in “The Anatomy of Peace” serve to highlight the profound impact leadership and personal values can have in times of conflict. While the Crusaders’ approach was marked by cruelty and indiscriminate violence, Saladin’s actions reflected a deep sense of honour, compassion, and respect for humanity.
This comparison not only sheds light on the historical events but also underscores the book’s message about the possibilities of peace and empathy, even in the harshest of circumstances. “Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict” by The Arbinger Institute begins with an engaging and relatable story, setting the stage for its deep exploration into the psychology of conflict resolution.
The narrative revolves around parents struggling with their troubled teens, who find themselves at a camp that teaches more than just adolescent management—it’s a place where the fundamentals of conflict resolution are unravelled.
Through this story, readers are drawn into a world that mirrors many of their own experiences with conflict, whether at home, in the workplace, or broader social interactions. The characters are diverse, each bringing their unique perspectives and conflicts, making the lessons of the book universally applicable. The book’s central premise is the concept of the “heart at war” versus the “heart at peace.”
It argues that the crux of conflicts lies not in the external actions or words but in the internal state of our hearts. When we view others as obstacles or objects (a heart at war), conflict is inevitable. Conversely, seeing others as people with their fears, desires, and challenges (a heart at peace) leads to empathy and understanding, which are crucial for resolving conflicts.
Throughout the book, various examples and anecdotes illustrate how shifting our heart’s orientation can dramatically change the course of our personal and professional relationships. This approach emphasizes self-reflection, urging readers to understand their roles in conflicts and to adopt empathy as a tool for resolution.
One of the book’s most powerful insights is the importance of perceiving others as human beings, not as objects. This shift in perspective is key to resolving conflicts effectively, as it fosters understanding and compassion.
This insight is what sets “Anatomy of Peace” apart from other books in the genre, like “Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury, which also focuses on understanding underlying interests in conflicts but with more emphasis on negotiation strategies.
In conclusion, “Anatomy of Peace” is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand and resolve conflicts in a more profound and lasting way. Its blend of storytelling, psychological insights, and practical advice makes it a unique and compelling read, offering tools not just for managing conflicts but for transforming our approach to them.
The book’s focus on empathy and humanizing those we conflict with is a powerful and necessary lesson for all aspects of life. So next time you disagree with your spouse, child or colleague, ask yourself if you’re approaching the issue with a heart at peace or a heart at war. Are you patient enough to pause and see them as humans or view them as objects?
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