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Posted: February 9

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killer instinct

Forums > Community > Philosophy & Religion

~Atlantech Feb 9, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Do you think at one point, it was natural for humans to kill one another? And if so, could it explain the urge to kill others that we sometimes experience?

I mean, why else are we so territorial when it comes to mates and resources?
I believe at one point, it was human instinct to kill others who we viewed as a threat.

Don't agree? Share your views, I'm curious to know what others think about this topic. I think there's been enough posts about abortion, time for something different.

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~xAlxyz Feb 13, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

This isn't really about humans killing each other- it's more of a self-preservation instinct that helped mankind survive and eventually evolve through time.
That instinct kicks in when we feel threatened by anything at all, be that the person in front of us, the news that people talk about us behind our backs, or the mere "defensive stance" when someone defends himself against accusations.

The preservation instinct is not to kill, but to neutralize a threat. The "neutralization" methods will vary from one mindset to another.

~Atlantech Feb 13, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

but you have to agree violence is the first thing we think of. If someone is in our way, we want to shove them. If someone is talking shit behind your back, you want to hit them. Even if people don't act on it, they think about it. The fact that it crosses their mind says a lot about how violence seems to be a part of us.

So it's not just about a killer instinct, but a violent one.

I'd like to think that everyone has at least felt violent towards someone. Most that do feel that way, never talk about it openly because of the fear of being called a psycho.

~KittyTheNekoAlien Feb 13, 2013 Hobbyist General Artist

From what I am aware, humans developed organized warfare as a way to gain resources and extra mates. Apparently humans and chimpanzees are the only species that developed warfare as an adaptation.
As far as animals killing others of their own species over a mate or territory, that is pretty universal across all animals I think? if the competitor doesn't back down when they should, they will go to the death after all.

So to answer your question, yes, people may resort to killing others in a survival situation.

~alzebetha Feb 12, 2013

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~GhostInThePines Feb 11, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

It's completely natural for a person to have an instinct for self-preservation. If that means putting a permanent end to someone/something that is trying to kill you, then yes, people have an instinct to kill. Going off and actively hunting/killing other people, however, doesn't fall into that self-preservation instinct... unless you come from a cannabalistic society that sees other humans as legit food.

~Atlantech Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

good answer, but papua new guinea comes to mind when you mention cannibalism.

~GhostInThePines Feb 12, 2013 Hobbyist Photographer

I'm pretty sure their "cannabalism" is more for ritual purposes rather than as a staple food source... not quite the same thing.

~Bullet-Magnet Feb 11, 2013

Speak for yourself. I've never experienced the urge to kill someone.

~Atlantech Feb 11, 2013 Hobbyist Digital Artist

and you've never wished someone would just drop dead either? It comes in more than one form.

~Bullet-Magnet Feb 11, 2013

I just lack that murderous streak.

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