The fact that we, as a society, are not all killing and murdering each other right now can be attributed to several factors, including:
Social Structures and Institutions: Societies have established social structures, laws, and institutions that promote order and discourage violence. These structures include governments, legal systems, law enforcement agencies, and various social norms and cultural values that promote cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Moral and Ethical Codes: Many individuals adhere to moral and ethical principles that guide their behavior and discourage violence. These values are often influenced by cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs that emphasize the importance of respecting others' rights and well-being.
Empathy and Altruism: Humans possess the capacity for empathy and altruism, which allows us to understand and share the feelings of others. These qualities often lead individuals to act in ways that promote the welfare of others and discourage harming one another.
Social Bonds and Relationships: Strong social bonds, such as those between family members, friends, and communities, create a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility. These connections encourage individuals to resolve conflicts peacefully and seek support and understanding from others.
Fear of Consequences: The fear of legal consequences, social ostracization, or damage to personal relationships often acts as a deterrent against violent behavior.
Education and Socialization: Education and socialization play a crucial role in shaping individuals' behavior and attitudes towards violence. Through education, people learn about the consequences of violence and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully.
Inherent Human Variation: It's essential to recognize that people are diverse in their personalities, beliefs, and behaviors. While some individuals may engage in violent actions, the majority of people choose non-violent means to resolve conflicts and interact with others.
Cooperation and Interdependence: Human societies have evolved to rely on cooperation and interdependence. Collaborating and working together often lead to better outcomes for individuals and groups, fostering an environment of mutual benefit.
Emotional Regulation and Self-Control: Humans have the ability to regulate their emotions and exercise self-control, allowing them to manage conflicts and disagreements without resorting to violence.
Evolutionary Factors: Throughout human evolution, groups that could cooperate and work together had better chances of survival and reproduction. This likely contributed to the development of prosocial behavior and cooperation as part of our species' traits.
While violence and aggression do exist in society, the majority of people choose non-violent means to resolve conflicts and coexist peacefully. The combination of social structures, moral values, empathy, education, and the desire for mutual benefit creates a foundation for maintaining peace and order in societies.