Klas Pontus Arnoldson
Hero
- Peacemaker - Role Model
27-Oct-1844
SWEDEN [map]
Of humble origin. Born at Göteborg, the son of a caretaker, he was obliged to discontinue his formal education in the public schools of Göteborg at the age of sixteen because of family financial difficulties after the death of his father in 1860.
Male
1900-Present
Arnoldson was a liberal in theology. Familiar with the humanistic tenets of religious movements originating in the nineteenth century in Great Britain and in the New England section of the United States, he decried fanatic dogmatism and espoused essentially Unitarian views on truth, tolerance, freedom of the individual conscience, freedom of thought, and human perfectability. These views he published in the Nordiska Dagbladet [Northern Daily] which he edited for a short time in the early 1870's, and in Sanningssökaren [The Truth Seeker], a monthly journal devoted to the exposition of «practical Christianity», as well as in books and pamphlets.
Arnoldson was also a liberal in political philosophy, committed to the practical application of the principle of democracy and individualism.
Outside Parliament Arnoldson carried on work for peace even more vigorously. Originally attracted to pacifism because of his repugnance for the wars of 1864 and 1870-1871 and because of his religious beliefs, Arnoldson was one of those instrumental in founding the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association in 1883, occupying the position of secretary of the society and becoming the editor of Tiden [The Times], a medium for peace information and free debate.
20-Feb-1916
heart attack
Heroic
Characteristics of Klas Pontus Arnoldson
Strong character and belief system
Personal power thru example and deeds
Advocate of Human Rights
Promote nonviolence
/ Oppose violence
Support justice / Confront Injustice
Advocate Freedom & Democracy
/ Oppose Oppression
Lead others / Teach others / Become involved
Manage conflict by building relationships
Manage conflict by solving problems
