The Humanist Principle ─ On Compassion and Tolerance

What is the nature of tolerance? Can it be engendered by religion? And how might different cultural traditions, whether religious or secular, assist in promulgating the vital principle of humanistic dialogue and benevolence? These are some of the urgent questions posed by this stimulating and wide-ranging new colloquy. Bringing together a wealth of wisdom and experience in medical science and in Buddhist thought and ethics, the discussants together address issues of vital current concern. They ask, for example, to what degree science and religion, as well as other fields of learning, may find common ground. They examine the pitfalls, as well as the opportunities, posed by genetic engineering. They examine the need for science to develop a proper ethical dimension, particularly in relation to weapons of war, if it is to realize its true potential. Exhibiting everywhere a sensitive humanity, as well as a deep respect for their different backgrounds, the participants exemplify in these civilized exchanges a mutual passion for developing dialogue as a profound and practical way of cultivating both toleration and peace.

A pioneer of cardiovascular medicine, and the author of more than 400 scientific and medical publications, Felix Unger is one of the world's foremost heart specialists. He is the inventor of Ellipsoidherz, a substance that enabled him to perform Europe's first artificial heart transplant in 1986. Dr Unger graduated in 1971 from the University of Vienna and is currently President of both the Academy of Sciences and Arts and the European Institute of Health.Daisaku Ikeda is President of Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist network that actively promotes peace, culture and education, whose members come from over 190 countries worldwide. He is the author of more than 100 books on Buddhist themes, and he received the United Nations Peace Award in 1983.