The human relationship with violence and war is complex and paradoxical. On the one hand there is near universal condemnation of violent acts, which is reflected in the strong normative prohibitions against the physical harm of fellow humans and, as such, is underpinned by legal systems all around the world. On the other hand, our popular culture, novels, history textbooks, mass media, art, games, children's toys and many other everyday outlets are saturated with images and instruments of violence. Although no sound person would openly advocate organised killing of other human beings, there is a palpable and widespread fascination and even obsession with violence and warfare. Just skimming the popular bestsellers of the last several decades it becomes obvious that there is an almost inexhaustible hunger for books, documentaries and motion picture portrayals of violent movements and warmongering individuals. Whereas it seems there can never be enough books and films on Hitler and the Nazis, the works and deeds of Gandhi and Mother Theresa draw very modest audiences. While peace and brotherly love might be the proclaimed ideals, it is war and violence that attract popular attention and fascination.

All of this could suggest that a human being is a hypocritical creature and that below the surface of civilised manners and altruistic ethics lays a dormant beast that awaits the first opportunity to inflict injury on its fellow humans.