A pacifist is someone who believes that violence and war are always wrong and should never be used, even in self-defense or to fight injustice. Pacifists refuse to fight in wars or use physical force against others, no matter the situation. They believe conflicts should be solved through peaceful means like negotiation, protest, or refusing to participate in violence.

Some pacifists base their beliefs on religious teachings, like some Quakers or Mennonites, who interpret their faith as forbidding all violence. Others arrive at pacifism through moral reasoning, believing that killing or harming another person can never be justified, regardless of the circumstances.

Pacifism can require tremendous courage. During wartime, pacifists have sometimes faced harsh criticism, imprisonment, or even death for refusing to fight. Many serve as medics or in other non-combat roles, risking their lives to help wounded soldiers without carrying weapons themselves. Some pacifists throughout history have accepted punishment rather than compromise their principles.

Not everyone who opposes a particular war is a pacifist. A pacifist opposes all wars and violence as a matter of principle. Someone might think a specific war is wrong or unwise without being a pacifist. Whether you agree with pacifism or not, many people respect the conviction it takes to maintain such beliefs when they're truly tested.