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Is peace in our nature?

Discussion in 'Philosophy' started by kjonesm1, Apr 13, 2015.

  1. kjonesm1

    kjonesm1 New Member

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    Through out time, in every culture there has been war, fighting and cold blooded murder. The Bible even references a ton of violence. I believe that war and violence is in our very nature. I also believe and hope that as we become more evolved we have the potential to overcome our nature. What are your thoughts?
     
  2. KimberlyD

    KimberlyD New Member Moderator

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    Man kind (as is everything in the world) is a perfect balance of both good and evil, peace and destruction. We consciously choose which direction we want to follow... so yes, we are capable of peace.
     
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  3. Pipergale

    Pipergale New Member

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    I think that peace is definitely within out nature, as human beings. But as human beings, you get the light with the dark. It's yin and yang. Balance. I think that's what we are here to do - figure out ways to juggle and balance. That's the game. So whilst I think that we are more than capable of peace, and that is it perfectly within our nature, I believe that chaos is an integral part of the puzzle too.

    Both are more than necessary, in my opinion. Violence is sometimes necessary too. But war is not.
     
  4. GearZ

    GearZ New Member

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    Sadly, no, the human species is an intrinsically violent one. Much like other primates, we survived, and evolved by cunning and force. What, exactly, makes us so is a study is a fascinating, but lengthy study into our neuroscience.

    As to the question will ever bridle it in? It is very hard to tell. From an evolutionary standpoint, there is an obvious advantage to aggressive behavior. That would be cold comfort if we annihilate our species, and many with it, during a Third World War. Here's hoping our Reason triumphs and mankind evolves to a not being so hostile.
     
  5. Hiraeth

    Hiraeth New Member

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    I agree with GearZ. Human beings are intrinsically violent by nature. The entire evolutionary process has been dictated by Darwin's 'survival of the fittest' principle. Humans are as much part of the primal animal world as any other being inhabiting this planet.

    However a point of difference lies in our higher than average developed brain, which happens to include a complex system of reasoning and analyzing that also involves moral questions of right and wrong. Unlike animals, when a human participates in an act of violence, it is always accompanied by a moral/ethical analysis of the situation, both before and after the action. If this element is taken into consideration then yes, most definitely, there is scope and capacity in us to be peaceful. It all lies in how we condition and structure our minds and its thought processes to perceive things.
     
  6. SleepySnake

    SleepySnake New Member

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    Peace is definitely within our nature. There is so much to be angry about, when you try so hard and your best isn't good enough. Or you've had arguments, things you see on the news... yet we are at our happiest when relaxed with a peace of mind. That is a certain contentment without stress and anguish. I think humans are intrinsically violent and angry and also peaceful and loving. We need to learn to control ourselves and our circumstances. Improve at our work or everyday life, get to do things in a methodical calm way, rather than thinking I've got to go here, then here, rushing about for no obvious reason, goes a way towards peace of mind and relaxation. Relaxation CDs are an interesting thing to put into practice too. Mindfulness is an interesting approach to follow. Yet stressful things always happen to pull us in the opposite direction, make us angry. So we have to focus on what we can do, improve the mind and body, worry less, relax more and hope for the best.
     
  7. Camille

    Camille New Member

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    I believe we are created to be love. And that includes peace. So peace really is our true nature. We have forgotten that though since coming into life. The energies are heavier here. I believe we're here to grow and remember that we are love. Part of that may include seeking out inner healing...which can include finding one's spirituality (love-based), prayer, energy healing, loving and taking care of yourself, professional help...there are many ways.
     
  8. SleepySnake

    SleepySnake New Member

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    Oh Camille you said that in a lovely way! I want to believe peace is in our nature too. If we are not peaceful, then what can we do to change that? Negative energy, such as walking through treacle in a difficult work situation, or arguments at home... it's all very draining on our energy and will never give a morale boost, or peace of mind. A combination of factors like trying to find work you like, a loving supportive relationship and home environment, loving not hating yourself, professional counselling if need be. There is no harm in admitting it's a tough time. Allow time to be upset and angry, because often a situation is serious if it makes you feel that bad... then be practical, what can you do to change it. Be proactive, fight on. Never lose that spirit. Answers are always there somehow.
     
  9. SleepySnake

    SleepySnake New Member

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    I think some people are quite volatile either verbally or violently by nature. This can cause bullying in school, or abuse later in life. This concerns me.
     
  10. Camille

    Camille New Member

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    Thank you so much SleepySnake. I agree, it's good to take action, don't give up. Like you said, answers are always there. We can all make efforts for living our best lives, in whatever ways feel right for each of us.
     
  11. Dinbanks

    Dinbanks Member

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    YES! First of all the spirit part of us is greater and more powerful than our physical bodies. Second our spirit is where all of our emotions reside, not in our physical bodies. As far as I am concerned our bodies are just physical container for our spirit. Third our spirits are an extension or part of the universe. Really understanding that principle will lead you to the indisputable fact that the ever expanding nature of the universe is one of love, good feeling, procreating, and yes PEACE. Therefore the spirit nature of all of us is love, good feeling, procreating, and PEACE.
     
  12. happyworker

    happyworker New Member

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    Yes I totally think peace is in our nature because we all have it in us to stop hate in this world and make a positive difference. My thoughts on this topic is that there are always going to be bad things going on in the world that are beyond our control but we can still do something about it like walking in love and showing compassion to one another instead of judging in a negative way. We can be at peace with others and it's really not that difficult to love an enemy or someone who hurts you.
     
  13. Rochelle Kirkpatrick

    Rochelle Kirkpatrick New Member

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    Believe it or not the good still outweighs the bad. It just doesn't get publicized as much as the negative do.
     
  14. Arnesha Horton

    Arnesha Horton New Member

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    I don't believe that we are capable of peace because there is evil in every one of us. We are selfish- driven by our own desires to fulfill our wants and needs. I believe that war is an effect of this. If we can justify that a resource or life can be taken from another group of people based off of a belief system that we create- we can vilify anyone.
    This shows in our own country's clear fall from the morality that was given to us from the Bible. With no foundation or standard for what is good- it will always be weighed by an individual's perception and if each person has their own idea of what is right- we will constantly fight. My life is more important than yours so I need what you have. If you do not give it to me- I'll have to take it for the greater good...
     
  15. AdrianeJerden

    AdrianeJerden New Member

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    Peace and the opposite of peace will always be involved in our lives. Living in this earth do not expect a life without tribulation. The earth is not heaven. You will only find true peace through Jesus Christ. I know what peace and tribulation are. And every human being who breath the oxygen of the planet earth know life is not perfect and is made of ups and downs. Peaceful days everybody want it 100%, but there is no way it will happen, because the world this world you deal with the peace and the opposite of peace everywhere and anytime.
     
  16. rahman quadri

    rahman quadri New Member

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    The opposite of peace is inevitable within our lives. If peace remained the only source in the equation there wouldn't be a balance of life. No matter how much we avoid violence and evil it can't vanish. The theory is called the yin and yang, meaning there will always be positive and negative.
     
  17. preacherbob50

    preacherbob50 New Member

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    I do absolutely believe that by nature we are a peaceful and loving creature. While I also believe there is a definite balance as described in the above post, the opposite of peace is a thing which goes against nature itself.

    If you will, please note that people must be taught to hate or go to war. We must be provoked and bantered about in order to come to a conclusion that fighting is the only way to solve x number of problems.

    No one had to teach me how to enjoy sitting and listening to the birds or just to be in the quiet of the day and enjoy the sun and the clouds or the moon and the stars at night. No one had to teach me to love my wife or the meager life that I have.

    It took other people some 44 years ago, who learned how to hate and go to war, to teach me how to kill someone I didn't even know in southeast Asia, when even they too, probably just wanted what came naturally.........peace.
     
  18. mr.opinion

    mr.opinion New Member

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    Peace is a state of being that can only be attained through self mastery. It is not in our nature because we were born with a carnal versus spiritual inner conflict. Evil and good define one another and cannot exist singularly.
     
  19. Jorge Depriest

    Jorge Depriest New Member

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    Yes, I think peace is in everyone just as much as greed or wanting more is human nature. Because of that, there enters the trade-off between the two. If someone entertains either of the two, it costs trading the other.
     
  20. vegito123

    vegito123 New Member

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    Humans can be peaceful, and it can be hard to show it or do it in our daily lives as we get frustrated and also the mood swings we have and can be happy or sad and even angry and how we act can show others what sort of person we are. Our nature has been to conquer and we do feel we deserve more and sometimes don't want to do the hard work which will get us what we want but it can be changed if we try and find peace in our lives and try and change our negative thinking to positive ones. I have known some people, who give in to anger easily as that is how they were raised and trying to change their ways has been hard and are slowly doing it which is nice to see and one day will be more peaceful.
     

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