Understanding Our Aggressive Nature: A Humorous Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Aggressive Instincts of Humanity
Let’s not fool ourselves; human beings possess a significant amount of aggression. This is evident in our physical features — think about our fangs, which were likely designed for tearing into flesh.
Chimpanzees may appear charming, but they share 98.8% of our DNA and can be surprisingly savage. For instance, a new dominant male chimp often eliminates all the infants in his group during his initial night as alpha. Additionally, these primates conduct quasi-military patrols to defend their territories against rival groups.
Research by Jane Goodall and others indicates that warfare is not merely a modern human issue. Chimpanzees are the only species aside from humans known to engage in organized attacks. According to Michael Wilson from the University of Minnesota, this behavior might trace back to a common ancestor from 5 to 7 million years ago. This intrinsic violence likely played a crucial role in establishing humans as the dominant species on the planet, rather than mere kindness.
The video "Are humans inherently violent? | Decoded" delves into the question of human nature and violence, highlighting the complexities behind our aggressive instincts.
We Have Spread Fear and Mayhem Since the Dawn of Time
This inherent aggression has made us paranoid; we’re aware that those closest to us might turn against us. On days when we feel ashamed of humanity’s destructive actions, we must remember that there’s still hope.
Cultural evolution is unfolding right before our eyes, particularly in response to global events like the invasion of Ukraine. This conflict is imprinting a new skepticism about violence into our collective memory.
While many stories from our past glorify war—such as the Trojan War and World War II, which was often dubbed the “good war”—there's also a significant recognition of war’s horrors. We are all acutely aware of this now, making moments of violence particularly disheartening.
Thanks to the lessons learned through cultural evolution, we are beginning to understand the necessity of moving past ego if we want to survive. Just as World War I led to the establishment of the League of Nations, which evolved into the United Nations, the combination of current conflicts, climate crises, and the COVID pandemic is teaching us about the need for cooperation over individualism.
Chapter 2: Ego and Its Consequences
Vladimir Putin exemplifies the dangers of unchecked ego. His recent television appearance, where he attempted to rationalize his aggressive actions, showcased a childish, grandiose persona reminiscent of pre-history leaders who rallied their followers for violence.
The video "Are Humans Naturally Violent?" explores the connection between our violent past and present, shedding light on the darker aspects of human nature.
He’s Justifying Violence in the Name of Faith
It’s worth noting that a significant part of Putin’s agenda includes absorbing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church into the Russian Orthodox Church. Many are unaware of his deep religious convictions, which brings to mind leaders like George W. Bush, who claimed divine guidance for his military decisions.
Unlike religion, which often serves as a pretext for conflict and chaos, I envision “Post-Ego” as a collective movement. It’s a space where humanity can unite, transcending individual egos to foster brotherhood and sisterhood.
Let us not lose hope, for Post-Ego will ultimately prevail. If it doesn’t, humanity faces a bleak future. Let us pray for the cosmic force that binds us and for the people of Ukraine during these challenging times.