Why is nature violent?

Question

My interpretation of nature is that nature is violent. I realize that we have reasoning power that animals don't have. However; animals have some interesting abilities that we don't have. For example; birds how do they all know to fly at the same angle. And how about the ability of some animals to know when a natural disaster is about to occur. Like the Tsunami- animals instinctively went to higher ground. I would like to have or develop that kind of sense.
Anyways, my question is why is it that we are taught to be non-violent when in all of nature violence is a way of life? Also, does anyone know of any cultures where violence is non-existent?

I do not mean to say that we are non-violent. Humans are very violent . In nature violence ( again - my interpretation) is only present when the perpetrator is seeking food. I just dont get why the universe is such that cruelty is a part of nature. I've considered that it is just my interpretation that sees cruelty. When animals hunt other animals for survival it is still scary and cruel. It really bugs me. I believe in karma and in reincarnation but these beliefs still do not help me to rationalize the inherent cruelty of violence in nature. This bugs me so much. I sincerely hope that when I die this question will be answered for me. Someone once told me that there is a good explanation but that it would be like trying to explain quantum physics to a pre-schooler. Just venting. Thanks for the forum.

Answer 1

Nature is the beautiful to me...it is of God and we have to learn to respect its power as we should God's...you can either see it as bad or good....your attitude makes all the difference....it's not nature...it's you.

Answer 2

I don't know of any non violent culture. Everything eats something on this planet, it's survival. The harsh realm. The thing you seek is an ability to see the shifts that the magnetic pull of the interior put outward when these seismic events occur. Very hard to do, it's more of a feeling for humans; like a tremor or vibration at your feet. Practice after acknowledging it would be a way I suppose. It's hard though, doubt destroys this ability in most mortals. Good luck with it if you do pursue it.

Answer 3

Violence, in the sense that you are referring, is something that happens every day between human beings. Consequently, I really do wonder where you are coming from when all you have to do is open a newspaper anywhere in the world and read about the violence we perpetrate on each other. On the other hand...

Animals kill in order to live; to eat. We do the same thing. What is different is an animal will not kill unless it is hungry or sick with a disease like rabies. Humans on the other hand, will kill for myriad reasons that have nothing to do with basic survival. In that sense, the animal kingdom is far superior to us.

Answer 4

existence is an potential gadget that replicates. Nature is the competition between those machines. for each meal you have had some thing had to die. What we call peace isn't peace for the failings we dominate or consume. Peace is being in charge of the violence. We 'try' for peace. The striving is the violence. Nature is violent because of the fact existence is a contest.

Answer 5

Animals cannot differentiate between bad and good. That only exists in man's mind. And nature is violent to balance all life on earth. Um, as for cultures, I'd have to say probably Hinduism or Buddhism. They are very non-violent and revere peace and tranquility.

My belief is that humans used to have abilities similar to what you have described, but lost them after becoming "civilized."

Answer 6

well, nature became violent when Adam and eve sinned. but, of course, not all nature is violent. you have a good point, but, animals can be taught no to be violent. we can tame tigers, dogs wolves...and likewise, not all humans are non-violent. birds know how to fly in the same angle just as soldiers march in battle lines, or bands march in their perfect lines. I do not kn ow of any cultures where violence is non-existent, but there are certain places where it is not allowed, but you can't always control it, especially if it is not you. as for animals' natural instincts...I have no idea, its just a gift they have, just as we are gifted with a dominating intelligence. we live in Idaho, and our cats run in the house, or meow by the door, about 10 minutes before a storm, we always know because of them. I think they can tell because the air gets heavier, or something...good question!

hope I helped!
:)

Answer 7

I think the reason that humans are non-violent is because we see the consequences of our actions. Animals don't have the ability to think like that. I haven't heard of a totally non-violent culture though, and I'm pretty sure non exist right now.

Answer 8

When man lived in small hunter-gather groups before civilization he lived as all other animals fighting for mates and territories. With the advent of agriculture large grouped of people could live in one place which meant large scale violence, so people invented laws and rules of conduct so that they could maintain cities without constant chaos.

Answer 9

nature itself is not violent. its the way the .....everything around us works. the moon, the sun everythings all connected. we just happen to be in the way.
and the way animals know when something is going to happen is our magnetic field tells them. like when the moons really close, theres alot of high tides.

Answer 10

Sin
but Man is more
He can be the cruelest creature there is on Earth