Are we more or less violent today?

Question

So much of human history has involved violence, from Egyptians to Romans, to Huns, to Vikings, to European middle ages to colonization to our constant wars around the world today. Even on a more personal level, violence seems to be one universal trait, from violent robbery to domestic abuse. I wonder if the human race is any better today or are we actually more violent. Would love to hear thoughts, especially from students of history.

Answer 1

More. People laugh when someone gets hurt. All the rest of that was confined to wartime.

Answer 2

It is reported as being called part of the human condition. One who has, wants to keep what he wants; one who does not have, wants of another. Thus Communism tried to cure this by giving all much of the same thing. That is one reason given, anyway. It does not work well as it gives little incentive to greatness..Those that are singled out may get much more.. but it is only to promote the ideology of it! Propaganda.. look at what I have.. Yet the people get little! God commanded to give to the poor and this was usually done by the Jewish Nations. They were allowed to glean from the fields. A desire to have more than the neighbor or enough to retire early is another that can make one keep from helping others.Jesus told a man, "Then give what you have to the poor and you will have eternal life!" The man had obeyed all the other commands but that one.. giving to those in need. He had great wealth and walked away saddened. Some have a desire to inflict pain on others for no reason except to see one in pain! Our society should be based on love, but it is not! It is based on what we want and not on what we can do for others. The violence is more! In parts of Africa millions are being killed by their own government and the UN says it is not their concern! Throughout history we find that the Nations who had helped others the most are the ones that have wealth today! Our own greed and sometimes, fears, keep us from helping. The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.. Meaning wealth! If we love it more than others, then we do wrong. However, it is a man's right to keep what he wants and to give what he wants. The story of Robin Hood; to steal from the rich and give to the poor, is not a good example... TEACH A MAN TO FISH AND HE CAN FEED HIS FAMILY FOR LIFE: GIVE HIM A FISH AND HE EATS FOR ONE DAY. It is good to help, but better to know what to do that would be true help. Students of our day do not get the real picture when one investigates the old books and compares them to the new. So, maybe suggest a retired history teacher write in. In the late 60's and early 70's the history books changed in much of the world. The authors took out much of the truth to support different agendas. Our society is being guided by those who suggest there is no right and no wrong so what can we expect? Abortion on demand/rapes increasing because woman do not care, taking chances walking alone or being alone; murders up and some fools want to claim it is a weapon instead of our lack of love and a knowledge there is right and there is wrong! The same ones that want us without a weapon want to tell our children there is no right or wrong!!!! The same ones... God bless. Earl

Answer 3

I dont think we are less violent at all, after all we are biologically and mentally the same. The only difference is that firstly there are a hell of a lot more people on the planet compared to ancient times, making conflict much more likely. Secondly, the tecnology is much more suited to mass destruction, with tanks, bombers, long range satalite guided missiles and weapons like cluster bombs or napalm specifically designed to kill as many of the enemy as possible in one go.

Answer 4

The modern ways of violence are much more efficient, we have better equipment to enlarge it, we have better ways to view it, and better ways to describe it. However man for man, world wide, we personally experience it in the first person much less. It would be very difficult to quantify accurately. I will try a comparison of two events with out the clutter of dates and details just two factually similar events. When the City of Jerusalem fell to the crusaders, after denying the call to surrender and resisting the besieging armies; the crusaders slaughtered every Jewish or Muslim man woman and child they found in the city. Heralded as a triumph of Christian arms, and played by the rules of the game. When the US armed forces besieged Baghdad, and they were resisted what happened. not much. collateral civilian death and the death of men under arms. played by the current rules.

Answer 5

less violent, the only reason it seems liek more and the reason all these other morons think so is that there is a media that sensationalizes it. in example in colonial times or early 1800s children were regualrly beaten severly in teh past, hiway robbery was more common then teh burglary today is, men most often took the law itno thier own hands since teh law was sporadic, slaves were beaten like animals, indian raids and massacres were common, drunken brawls in brothels were much more ugly tehn today

Answer 6

We are less violent but more cruel

Answer 7

more violent.....think about the city/urban areas

Answer 8

i would say we are alot more violent

Answer 9

More of it.