Aggression Doesn't Solve Anything

Image source: Al Jazeera

This is based on a reply to @full-measure's post. Is non-aggression the same as isolation. I'm simply fleshing out my thoughts here.

Humans are embodiments of dreams and desires. However we can't always get everything we want ourselves. We sometimes need help from others.

Aggression Isn't The Way

I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood. Those who seemed to exercise their powers were those on top. You had to be tough or no one would listen to you.

I've seen this replayed in different places at different times in different situations. Even in cooperate settings, people always try to use intellectual or organisational aggression to make things happen. There are overt and subtle ways of making people ways of forcing people to behave in a certain way.

Use your head, not your fist or money or...

I believe that there are more effective ways to make people behave in a way that profits you. These ways aren't farfetched; you simply have to think about it.

Sometimes I observe how parents try to force their kids to behave. Most times, they employ an authoritative stance and Te the child what to do. At some point, this would be okay. But as the child grows older, you'll have to appeal to more than just being a parent or guardian.

That is the point where you begin to make the child see reasons why he should behave in a certain way. If you want to keep using force, one of two things will happen. The child either grows up to resent you or he gives up all ability to think for himself

The best way is to show mutual benefit and slowly build trust

You see, if someone has something to gain from your peaceful existence, hurting you is going to be a hard decision.

That is why I go the way of trade. And I'm not just talking about goods. We could trade ideas, services, education... The list is endless.

When you begin to mutually exchange stuff with people, it's a lot easier to make recommendation. I mean, your favorite grocery store attendant can make you change your brand of bathing soap without putting a gun to your head.

You know what people's problem is? They see others as inferior. Inferior in reasoning abilities. That's why they don't want to appeal to reason. Hell, that would always lead to resentment.

Force might always get you on top. But you'll always need greater force to keep yourself there. At the end, it isn't cost effective anymore. Plus, the folks under would always fight back.

At the end, no one wins. Both parties are wasting resources that could be used to build and share.

Aggression doesn't pay in the long run

I know it sometimes feels like aggression helps us faster. It's easier to shout at someone than take the time to convince them of your ideas.

Some other times, you don't want to entertain the possibility of rejection/refusal so you employ tactics that would forced the other party to acquiesce to your demands.

At the end, you'll need more force to keep them that way.

Let me end by saying if you treat humans like animals, they will respond like animals

Thanks for reading