On Aggression

On Aggression  – Lorenz posits that aggression is a primary, spontaneous instinct or drive in living beings, similar to hunger or sex, and is essential for survival and not simply a reaction to external stimuli. Humans, who lack natural weapons, did not evolve these strong killing inhibitions. The rapid invention of artificial weapons (tools, guns, bombs) at a distance has bypassed our weak natural restraints, leading to the potential for large-scale, lethal violence and war.