Is Society Doomed by Human Nature?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the inherent nature of humanity and its impact on societal structures. Participants argue that humans, as competitive beings, often conform to dominant ideologies due to fear and social conditioning, leading to oppression of dissenting views. The conversation highlights the failure of political models and social systems to function effectively, suggesting that humanity is not yet ready for a truly cooperative society. The need for critical thinking and the relinquishment of animalistic instincts are emphasized as prerequisites for societal progress.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of social conditioning and its effects on behavior
  • Knowledge of political models and their historical failures
  • Familiarity with concepts of evolution and natural selection
  • Insight into the dynamics of power and authority in society
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of social conditioning on public opinion and behavior
  • Explore historical examples of failed political models and their implications
  • Study the role of critical thinking in societal development
  • Investigate the relationship between evolution, natural selection, and societal structures
USEFUL FOR

Philosophers, sociologists, political scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human nature and its influence on societal dynamics.

octelcogopod
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I wanted to discuss this topic and I hope I put it in the right forum.

When we grow up in society we learn to respect our government and police, or well, at least respect their authority in the sense that we never really are completely free in the original sense (because of fear mostly.)
People are given the idea that we have a government and police for the purpose of securing each individuals security in the world, but also active prosecution of so called immoral actions and activity.
With individual security comes of course laws against violence, organized crime and tons of other crimes.

The problem is that humans are competitive animals, yet at the same time when they are faced with an adversary so powerful that they cannot defeat it, they rather join it to secure their own survival, and I believe this is an essential component of todays society.
Through propaganda and social conditioning, groups of people with the same agenda and view on things forcefully inject people with their ideas, so to make everyone permanently brainwashed.
This ultimately leads to oppression of groups with other views, and thus they either fade out or are ridiculed in public.
Many times the popular view on any given issue is taken for granted, and usually it is not very researched or the research is subdued in public press to further promote the popular view.

This is of course the natural way of things in a way, people either lead or follow, and the ones who lead will almost always end up with more power than necessary, usually with the publics consent as well, because of years of social conditioning.
It seems like an eternal power struggle, more so than any other agenda for pursuing anything. A person with a strong belief is stronger than any other force, if he is in the right place at the right time.

It seems like no political model and no social structure works, because ultimately humanity is not ready for a society, or even intelligent ciritical thinking. Before we can embrace those things we need to let go of all our animalistic sides, fat chance of that happening.

Any thoughts or ideas?
 
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octelcogopod said:
This is of course the natural way of things in a way, people either lead or follow, and the ones who lead will almost always end up with more power than necessary, usually with the publics consent as well, because of years of social conditioning.
It seems like an eternal power struggle, more so than any other agenda for pursuing anything. A person with a strong belief is stronger than any other force, if he is in the right place at the right time.

It seems like no political model and no social structure works, because ultimately humanity is not ready for a society, or even intelligent ciritical thinking. Before we can embrace those things we need to let go of all our animalistic sides, fat chance of that happening.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Would you expect less from the premier omnivorous predators of the Universe?
 
Many times the popular view on any given issue is taken for granted, and usually it is not very researched or the research is subdued in public press to further promote the popular view.
as they say in american constitution, "we find these truthes self-evident".
 
octelcogopod said:
I wanted to discuss this topic and I hope I put it in the right forum.

When we grow up in society we learn to respect our government and police, or well, at least respect their authority in the sense that we never really are completely free in the original sense (because of fear mostly.)
People are given the idea that we have a government and police for the purpose of securing each individuals security in the world, but also active prosecution of so called immoral actions and activity.
With individual security comes of course laws against violence, organized crime and tons of other crimes.

The problem is that humans are competitive animals, yet at the same time when they are faced with an adversary so powerful that they cannot defeat it, they rather join it to secure their own survival, and I believe this is an essential component of todays society.
Through propaganda and social conditioning, groups of people with the same agenda and view on things forcefully inject people with their ideas, so to make everyone permanently brainwashed.
This ultimately leads to oppression of groups with other views, and thus they either fade out or are ridiculed in public.
Many times the popular view on any given issue is taken for granted, and usually it is not very researched or the research is subdued in public press to further promote the popular view.

This is of course the natural way of things in a way, people either lead or follow, and the ones who lead will almost always end up with more power than necessary, usually with the publics consent as well, because of years of social conditioning.
It seems like an eternal power struggle, more so than any other agenda for pursuing anything. A person with a strong belief is stronger than any other force, if he is in the right place at the right time.

It seems like no political model and no social structure works, because ultimately humanity is not ready for a society, or even intelligent ciritical thinking. Before we can embrace those things we need to let go of all our animalistic sides, fat chance of that happening.

Any thoughts or ideas?

The things you've pointed out are true. I don't think we need wait until the animalistic sides are let go of in order for society to bloom as an efficient and progressive entity.

I think we have to wait longer than that for evolution and natural selection to weed out the inefficencies of a mob rule society. I'm talking about a million years - given favorable environmental conditions (which appears unlikely).
 

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