Combative instinct is part of our fundamental makeup as individuals. Can it be channelled towards a more constructive purpose than warfare, which threatens the very existence of human society? International Voluntary Service for Peace (I.V.S.P.) believed this transformation is possible by directing this energy towards the practical service of humanity. First published in 1948, this book describes the beginnings of this experiment—the inspiration of its pioneers and the development of their work from their first project in 1920: repairing war damage in the battle areas of Northern France.