The First World War, the Second World War, the Cold War, the war in Ukraine, wars in the Middle East. There are also gang wars, drug cartel wars, corporate conflicts, and even backyard disputes. Many wars in history have erupted suddenly over issues that could have been mitigated through mediation or economic agreements just moments earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does humanity have a love of war encoded in its genes? <\/strong>Not necessarily, as there is no evidence for that. But the facts show one thing: humans cannot live without war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For humans to ever stop waging wars, they would first need to pause for a moment. To realize that they think in terms of war, feel that they are in a state of conflict with themselves, and believe that an endless struggle between opposing forces constitutes the fundamental rules governing all existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Erich Fromm sheds some light on understanding the madness of war in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness<\/em>, arguing that much of war is about people clinging to strong leaders. Even if it is an illusion, far too many of us desperately need others in whom we can entrust our fate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Illusions emerge wherever we try to reclaim something lost forever. Resentment thus becomes fuel for populist leaders<\/strong>, who are able to mobilize masses of humiliated, excluded individuals yearning for \u201cthe good old days\u201d or believing that \u201cwith him, we will be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know from the media that a calm leader rarely makes a career.<\/strong> Rational argument and a voice devoid of populist promises often result in being the \u201cnice uncle\u201d rather than the commander people will follow. Aggressive leadership, similar to dominance in animals, commands respect and attention. It can even unify large groups, as the leader imposes authority that is then accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is true that among lower primates, a leader\u2019s authority often relies on the fear they instill in others. Among great apes, like chimpanzees, it is not revenge-based power but the ability to lead the group that establishes authority. A dominant animal must continually assert its role, showing superior physical strength, wisdom, energy, or traits that made it a leader. In human history, once dominance became institutionalized rather than based on personal skill, a leader no longer needs to constantly display exceptional qualities. In fact, it isn\u2019t necessary for them to possess them. Our social system conditions people to perceive symbols\u2014titles, uniforms, or other signs\u2014as proof of competence. As long as these symbols exist, supported by the system, the average person won\u2019t even question whether the king is naked.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Erich Fromm<\/p>\n\n\n\nHumans as Dominant Animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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War Destroys the Soul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n