In ancient times, it was said, “The nature of man is inherently good,” meaning everyone is born good. But is this really true?
We are Homo sapiens, regarded as the superior species in the animal kingdom. We possess writing, fire, tools, and intelligence. We are taught not to break the law and to respect moral standards… However, deep within human nature, there is something that many jokingly refer to as “animalistic instincts.”
So what would happen if humans were free to do anything they wanted without concern for laws or any form of punishment?
Many experiments have been conducted to explore just how ruthless humans can be toward each other. They also seek to understand what factors can trigger aggression and cruelty in people. Is there a way to prevent this?
1. Marina Abramović’s Experiment
Former Yugoslavian artist, Marina Abramović, conducted an experiment (or performance, as she calls it) titled Rhythm 0 in Naples in 1974.
Her experiment aimed to discover how people would treat one another when given absolute power. The idea was simple: she allowed the audience to do anything they wanted to her for six hours.
Marina stood still and unresisting while the audience could use any of the 72 objects she placed on a table, ranging from a rose, feathers, perfume, and honey to scissors, nails, iron rods, and even a loaded gun…
Initially, everything was friendly; people respected her, hugged her, and gave her flowers. However, when they realized that they faced no consequences and that no resistance would occur, things began to deteriorate.
She was subjected to having her hair cut, her clothes torn, and her skin cut. Even when the gun was pointed at her head with her finger on the trigger, a scuffle broke out.
Marina tearfully stated: “I wanted to show everyone how quickly people revert to their true nature when given the opportunity. I saw that if left unchecked, the audience could kill me.”
Indeed, through this simple experiment, Marina demonstrated that even the most psychologically normal and healthy individuals can harm others when given the chance.
2. Negative Influences from Childhood
In many families, children have no decision-making power, while in some families, children are given complete freedom.
This leads to two opposing outcomes; some children grow up believing that everyone must cater to their wishes or, worse, they seek to compensate for childhood losses by causing suffering to others. This sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It truly reflects the motif of many real crimes in society.
Allowing children the freedom to develop is important, but setting boundaries for them is even more crucial.
From this, we can see the need for a balanced solution. Children should be granted freedom, but at the same time, they must be taught to respect others.
Renowned Scottish educator and author, Alexander O’Neal, through numerous studies, has attempted to explain to parents the fundamental difference between freedom and excessive freedom for children. He always believed that awareness is crucial.
For example, if a daughter wants to sew a dress but takes fabric from a coat you cherish, that is unacceptable as it encroaches on someone else’s space and belongings.
However, to encourage her interest, you could suggest using an old shirt that you no longer wear.
Always remember that allowing children the freedom to develop is important, but setting boundaries for them is even more crucial. Because when limits are broken, they may gradually learn the bad habit of infringing on others.
3. When Punishment Is Inevitable
Only when bound by laws and severe punishments can crime rates be reduced.
Psychologists and criminologists understand that harsh or lenient punishments are not as frightening as the concept of punishment being mandatory and unavoidable if crime is to be prevented.
Real numbers support this argument; for example, only about 75% of murder cases are solved, and 68% of released offenders are rearrested within three years… and these numbers repeat year after year.
Criminals often believe they won’t be caught again, or the presence of many unresolved cases gives them a false sense of security and encourages them to continue offending.
This shows that only when bound by laws and severe punishments can crime rates be reduced.
4. It’s Easier to Express Conflict than Peace
Why do people hate each other? To answer this “tricky” question, psychologist Muzafer Sherif conducted a small experiment with a group of children at a summer camp. He divided the children into two groups and made them play games with clear win-loss distinctions.
Quickly, from normal competition, the children began to express hatred toward each other and even fought. He then created situations that required them to work together, such as pushing a bus together. Naturally, the children gradually cooperated peacefully, but it took a long time.
Broadening the perspective, the case of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy hating each other may stem from their belonging to two houses that have historically been rivals. The rivalry between the two houses pushes these characters to constantly prove that their house is superior. If they were in the same house, they might even become best friends…
Every day, we witness people hating each other for numerous reasons: ethnicity, region, background, socioeconomic status… Take a moment to pause and ask yourself, why hate each other for differences instead of loving one another for our commonalities?
Only weakness and fear make people defensive, closed off, and hostile.
People often express hostility toward each other largely because they fear the world around them and fear themselves. What do those who are willing to open their hearts and help others have in common?
They are strong and confident, so they do not see themselves as obstacles to others or view others as obstacles to themselves. Only weakness and fear make people defensive, closed off, and hostile.
Before deciding to do anything to anyone, take a moment to place yourself in their circumstances and perspective. And consider whether you would want to be treated the way you are about to treat someone else. Only then can you ensure that your freedom does not infringe upon or affect the freedom of others.
