1.
Individuals are basically evil and must constantly fight against their violent nature.
I disagree with this statement mainly because it's suggesting that all humans think alike and develop in the same way. Some people choose different paths which may lead them to have a more dominant, and violent persona. While others may choose paths that lead them to being more peaceful and neutral. This statement also suggests that babies are fighting against their violent nature. The only thing violent about babies would be their smell, otherwise they wouldn't hurt anyone. I don't believe any one is born with a violent nature, it's something that may develop over time. As we grow older, we are faced with more challenges and limitation that could force us to change our character. Basically, over time we are forced to choose which path we wish to take. For example, in "The Lord of the Flies", Jack and the other savages were faced with challenges that forced them to take on a more violent nature. In present society, it can be peer pressure that forces us to do things we normally wouldn't do.
2.
Individuals will go along with any type of activity, no matter how violent, when pressure by their peers.
I agree to this to a certain extent. I do believe that nowadays, peer pressure plays a great antagonist to many people when it comes to doing things outside of one's comfort level. The pressure to fit in can and will make people do foolish things. For example, in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy", high school students forced their so-called friend to jump in a pool of fast-drying cement. The "friend" obviously wasn't keen on the idea of doing that but his longing to fit in forced him to make an unhealthy decision. On the contrary, I disagree with this statement as well, because I believe that many people opt to using their own brain and they can think for themselves. With that said, people should be able to think critically and realize that their actions could have consequence. We, as humans, have the ability to know right from wrong. We are raised to identify and label actions as being appropriate or inappropriate.
3.
The human race is destined to destroy itself.
I agree with this concept to be true because there are years of evidence that can aid in proving this to be true. Through events such as WWI, WWII, and all the expeditions for more land, it proved that humans are selfish and only fight for things that will help them gain more power. The greed for land has caused millions of deaths from the expansion of the Roman Empire to the building of new homes in our own neighbourhood. With the example of building new homes, one would need to cut down trees to create space. Through this, there is a decrease in natural resources, the same resources humans need to survive. There is no balance in ecosystems for different environments when humans out weigh the components that are needed to sustain human life. In short, humans are creating dead ends for themselves which will eventually get caught up with us. Through the world wars, it's been proven that humans will go to any length to "win". With the creation of new weapons, more deadly weapons, humans are just making it easier for self destruction.
4.
Rules and punishments are absolutely necessary if we are to maintain a civilized society.
I agree with this statement because without rules and punishments people believe that they are invincible which inevitably leads to trouble. Any society needs set guidelines so the civilians know their limits and no one will cause too much disturbance. In an ideal world, no society would need these kinds of strict restrictions but unfortunately, many are faced with events that will force them to transform into a more evil and violent being. In the early years of humanity, it was proven that rules and order were crucial in maintaining a society. Therefore, by learning from the generations before us, we have adapted regulations that will keep our world structured.
5.
WE are our own worst enemy!
I agree with this statement. Over the years humans have proved their selfishness in the world by believing that everything else should function around them, that all other organisms are below humans. Humans feel a lot of pressure from their daily lives which could inevitably take control of our moral compass. It is said that newborn babies are the purest of all, with their moral compass facing that "nice and good" side. Over time we develop the capability to face the "bad and violent" side and sometimes we remain facing that direction until it's too late. Humans are often blinded by their own emotions, which could result in a disastrous downfall. Once again, through the world wars, humans have proved their destructive behaviour and how they have the ability to let that overrun their conscience.
Top 10 Most Destructive Human Behaviours
