While you have a point that does apply to people, I would point out that animals are divided into prey and predator and may have different survival responses that are not violent. For example, the opossum is well known for playing dead when threatened instead of responding violently. Since people evolved as predators, you are correct that we do have a violent survival instinct. At least in theory (as I was taught) there are two instincts that humans have not yet evolved away from - the instinct for individual survival and the instinct for species survival. The instinct for individual survival usually shows up as a violent response to an existential threat. The instinct for species survival shows up when people rush to help others even when there is a threat to themselves in doing so (think of people jumping into swift water to assist a person drowning). Obviously, both of these instincts are still stronger in some people than in others or we would not have pacifists.C-dub wrote: ↑Mon May 30, 2022 4:14 pmI would say that is not in our culture, but rather in every humans DNA and most if not all animals. It would be the instinct to survive. Even the smallest creature, in order to survive, will fight as best it can.srothstein wrote: ↑Sun May 29, 2022 11:34 pm While not in our individual DNA (I think), it is definitely in whatever makes up our culture's DNA.
Suppressing that instinct is what some people aspire to achieve their entire lives. Some people thrive on it and some are able to manage or control it in measured responses. We, humans, don't have the ability yet to stop violence without using violence. That really bothers some folks. The people of the US may seem to have a propensity for violence, but when we emerged as the most powerful nation in the world after WWII a big chunk of the world looked toward us to keep the order. Once you're on top there's only one direction to go and others will keep trying to help push you in that direction one way or another (directly or indirectly).
Before WWI we were still shell shocked from the Civil War and still just wanted to be left alone and let the Europeans fight amongst themselves. Then after WWI and into the depression our isolationism grew. If the Pearl Harbor attack hadn't occurred I don't know if or how we would have gotten into WWII. Anyway, ever since we've been the big dog. Some see us a bullies, while most see us as saviors. Can't please everyone.
The problem, as I see it, is that you can't rest on your laurels or you won't be the big dog very long. Si vis pacem, para bellum! Such a true statement that so many overlook. Even the neutral Swiss prepare for war. Although, I understand that recently they have begun to question whether or not to request membership in NATO. We cannot have a military of pacifists. There must be people willing to get violent when required. It's just that when you have a population of 330+M there is going to be a bunch that are either unwilling or cannot control that violence.
And for anyone not aware of the English translation of the Latin saying "Si vis pacem, para bellum!", it means "If you want peace, prepare for war." It is very good advice. The military translation of this is "Peace through superior firepower" and I do support that concept.