The rise of man from the animal to the human level was prolonged by the necessity of rising from a state of barbarism and violence to one of order and peace.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Cruelty to men and to the lower animals as well, which would have passed unnoticed a century ago, now shocks the sensibilities and is regarded as wicked and degrading.
The decline of violence isn't a steady inclined plane from an original state of maximal and universal bloodshed. Technology, ideology, and social and cultural changes periodically throw out new forms of violence for humanity to contend with.
For all the tribulations in our lives, for all the troubles that remain in the world, the decline of violence is an accomplishment that we can savor - and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible.
Man has done a lot to make himself dangerous and animals get the worst of all of it. But then, man too is an animal.
I would suggest that barbarism be considered as a permanent and universal human characteristic which becomes more or less pronounced according to the play of circumstances.
In a world where change is inevitable and continuous, the need to achieve that change without violence is essential for survival.
Technology, ideology, and social and cultural changes periodically throw out new forms of violence for humanity to contend with.
Brutality to an animal is cruelty to mankind - it is only the difference in the victim.
As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other.
The ultimate tendency of civilization is towards barbarism.