In one of the most heated and interesting classes this trimester, we debated if war is an inherent part of human nature. After Ed and Brad had a their verbal combat, I found myself really questioning what I thought. Thinking in terms of history, I debated the issue, and I knew I would write my blog on this topic because I would have the chance to get a full thought out in the class battle. While it’s hard to argue, I do not think war is part of our inherent nature.
As people we do not yearn for war, however, our society accepts war as the way to handle a conflict between nations. If I had to guess, I would assume war has simply become the way to deal with these types of problems because it’s the best method to state dominance. As tribes, city-states, and other groups of people in history conflicted with others, wagging war was the most extreme. In this case, one group would have to defend itself. I think because of the looming threat of war, states would build up a military and other armed forces in the event that they would have to defend themselves. Through this, war has become a part of our culture today. What I’m trying to say is that war is a part of our culture because it is the most intense way to resolve a conflict, and to seem strong, nations use this to fight an opponent.
I think it’s important to understand the difference violence and war. People are aggressive and this often translates into violence. However, when two people fight, they are not waging war on each other. War is a conflict between two groups of people on a large scale that deals with declared differences between the peoples. In fact, violence is typically a product of irrational thinking while war is typically a calculated and a thought through act. In this way, aggression or anger contradicts the basis of war.
Finally, I hesitate to believe that war is an inherent part of our nature is because I think it’s important to be optimistic if we truly want peace. How can I say war is part of our human nature if I want peace? I must believe that we are not warmongering creatures if I truly want to live in harmony with others. Ultimately, the only way peace can exist is if we convince ourselves that war is not part of our inherent nature. I hope that this idea resonates with you.
7 comments:
i agree with the reasoning behind your argument, especially the part about dominance. it's an escalation thing: one nation attacks another, and then all the other nations are sitting around thinking, "Hey wait, what if we're next?!" and it just builds and builds and builds. That doesn't make it natural. And i think it IS a part of human nature to want to be the best, the most powerful, however you want to think of it (and i'm thinking both men and women here!). War is a way to do that, and it has become an acceptable way for nations to show their strength.
I think a very simple point you make at the end of this post is the most important question and key to understanding whether war is inherent as part of human nature. You ask, "how can I say war is part of our human nature if I want peace?" To me, this is how we can say that war is not part of human nature. Yes, I do think we need to convince ourselves of this as our minds may tell us something different than our hearts-- but I think this is the right approach to thinking about human nature and war as unrelated. And, it makes much sense. We would be contradicting our intelligence if we said that we want peace on the outside, but inside, we like to wage war. The question is not foolproof, as we might be lying to ourselves, but I think it is a very simple yet powerful question you raise.
Small point-- "our society accepts war as the way to handle a conflict between nations." This is true and I think you say that this does not mean we inherently wage war. We must find a way, somehow more effective then just "peace talks" to settle differences and prevent war and violence.
I agree with your point that admitting that war is part of human nature would be admitting defeat if you craved peace. However, the fact that aggression and subsequently, violence, is part of human nature is what often breeds war and for that reason I find it hard to say that war is in no way a part of human nature. Personally, I feel that violence on a small scale, which most in class said was a part of human nature but doesn't constitute warfare, simply precedes war and for that reason warfare is somewhat part of human nature. A neutral and indecisive answer, I know, but I'm not sure there is a right or wrong answer here.
"violence is typically a product of irrational thinking while war is typically a calculated and a thought through act". This distinction hammers home your point in your post but I tend to side with what Nick said in his comment. Although it might be close minded to think that because humans are inherently aggressive, our actions eventually lead to war. I cannot completely convince myself as to the answer of the inherency of war but your argument is compelling.
I understand your argument that optimism lies in the belief that humans can and hopefully one day will be peaceful. This belief is ideal, but I don't believe it to be realistic or attainable. War has always existed throughout history and even today no end seems in sight. Even though war is a disturbing event in human existence, I believe there is still hope for mankind. I don't perceive all wars as unnecessary acts of aggression against a defenseless opponent. War is often necessary to balance the order and power of the world. War changes the course of history and also changes people. The world as it is today exists in due part to war. On the surface war may seem brutal or unnecessary, but war is an important aspect of human life.
I don't know if I by your argument that you can refute waging war as being part of human nature simpy because you are an optimist. I think that it is possible to overcome human nature it attempt to live in peace. I am just playing Devil's advocate here though; I agree with the majority of your assertions.
I feel like this is what I couldn't really understand. For the largest part of the discussion I argued that war is a part of our nature because so much of what we do leads towards it. But perhaps the differences between the both of them are enough to make one a part of our nature and the other a result of those actions.
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