Richardson discusses violence due to brain dysfunction. When the prefrontal cortex is not developed properly, an individual is unable to restrain violent impulses. According to him, a holistic or a large view of the universe helps to reprogram the prefrontal cortex so that a pause is inserted between a violent impulse and the action. This helps the practice of non-violence in everyday life. Flinton agrees that a mental disorder is not always a contributing factor to violent behavior.
Many individuals act in violent ways because of social learning.
A proper learning process would involve, first, the development of true empathy toward the victim and, next, ability of the perpetrator of violence to pause and reflect on the consequences of a violent act to himself or herself.