Are war & violence part of a hardwired biological drive, or is it something that we choose?

Question

All the talk of war has made me wonder how many people out there believe that violence really represents a solution to problems. Sure, we all say that violence is wrong, and we all hate the loss of life that occurs in war, but many people and many men believe that "violence is the supreme authority from which all other authority is derived." If that's true, how can mankind ever move beyond the nasty habit of killing one another and get down to the business of BUILDING a better world? It's true that we live in a complicated world with no easy answers, but what are we doing to change it? Can we change it? Young boys still enjoy playing games that generally involve shooting, fighting, wrestling or some kind of conflict. There is rarely an interest in games that involve building, creativity, sharing, and a respect for the world around them. Why? Before you answer any of these things, I know some of you may wonder if I some "love and peace, tree-hugging, liberal pansy". I am not. Thoughts?

Answer 1

Humans are too complex for a simple propensity to violence.

I would say that we tend to confrontation and conflict. This is expressed in many different ways, as subtle and oblique as a tiny frown and as blatant as murder on the spot, even for the same 'offense.'

It is a matter of evolution and maturity for us to move beyond baser forms of violence. Holding on to ancient religous values encouraging violence holds us back, but once all of these forms are recognized for the mythology they really are, we will move into a new era.

I know this is Gene Roddenberry's theme for 'Star Trek' but I've always held this view, even before Captain Kirk and the dilithium crystals came into view.