[enriquepablo]

>> The anger that motivated the writing of the Cookbook blinded me to the illogical notion that violence can be used to prevent violence.

> The leaders of almost every major revolution eventually reached precisely the opposite conclusion.

> I don't think that has anything to do with something that is inherently illogical.

(I think my editing has preserved the spirit of the letter.) I would say it is deeply illogical. You would have a hard time convincing me that any of those leaders have managed to prevent any amount of violence through the use of violence. I don't see any progress in the erradication of illegal violence, and legal violence is more violent than ever.

The notion is definitelly illogical. What your reasoning shows is that the leaders of almost every major revolution had pride. Pride is inherently illogical.

[Crito]

The execution of Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu stabilized Romania. Despite calls for more executions, after they were killed execution was abolished in Romania, and there have been no executions in the country since.

If you are not interested in being convinced, I am certain this example will not convince you, but I believe that the subsequent abolition of capital punishment in Romania makes it an excellent example of moderated violence ending a cycle of violence.

Much like careful amputation can save lives, the appropriate application of violence can end conflicts.