Pierre Ceresole - a man who had an idea

Pierre Ceresole was born in 1879 into a rich Swiss family and passed his student days in Lausanne, Goettengen and Zurich. In 1910 he resigned his post as a professor of mathematics to travel across the United States, earning his way as a manual worker. From there he journeyed to Hawaii and Japan, where he worked for two years as an engineer. He returned to Switzerland 1914 with his horizon extended by travels and his sympathies deepened by contact with many kinds of people.

The First World War was a big shock for Pierre. How could people devote so much energy and creativity to the war? Why did people believe so strongly in militarism? He became a conscientious objector, refused to pay his military taxes and to serve in the Swiss army. He turned over his family inheritance to the state because he felt he did not deserve it.

Frequent imprisonments were part of the price he paid for his convictions. Contact with like-minded pacifists strengthened his search for the 'moral equivalent for war' and brought him the idea of “a peace army”. This would give an alternative for people to put their energy and enthusiasm to a service for peace and international friendship.

The first international workcamp was organised in France 1920. Until his death in 1945 Pierre stayed actively involved with SCI. He went to India for the first SCI project and worked also along in the ashram with Mahatma Gandhi. When the movement grew bigger, Pierre had difficulties to accept that part of the people had lost the original radical spirit. Even still today, the ideas of Pierre Ceresole would have lot to give!