ABSTRACT
In this specialized world at which the grim side of the twentieth century is explored in depth and with a special poignancy that often defies words—but does not escape numbers—none stand taller than R. J. Rummel, political scientist at the University of Hawaii. All societies are in their nature imperfect artifacts. But those that hold as their highest value the sanctity of the person are different in their nature and essence from those who see their ultimate mission as obedience and punishment for the transgressors. This easy movement of different types of social scientists converging on the problem of life and death is fueled by the sort of data provided and distinctions made by Rudy Rummel. Rudy rarely speaks about morality and virtue. His concerns are not fixated on "normative" concerns of equity and liberty, or the uneven rankings of people in societies.
